Impact of KVK training programmes and front line demonstrations on adoption of Pusa Basmati -1509 in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir

Abstract

The study was carried out in Kathua, Barnoti and Hiranagar blocks of Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir. These three blocks were purposely selected because; traditionally these blocks have maximum area under rice. Apart from training programmes and frontline demonstrations, other extension methodologies viz., farmer scientist interactions, field days and media coverage were also employed to get maximum influence. The data were collected through personal contacts with the help of well structured interview schedule. Total thirteen practices were selected as criteria to assess the farmers for the extent of knowledge attained and advocation of basmati rice production technologies as a result of the training programme organized by Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kathua. The results of the study divulge that the farmer had gained knowledge about the production technologies for basmati ranging between 18.7 per cent in case of land preparation to 81.2 percent in case of high yielding Pusa basmati-1509 variety, after attending the training programme. It was observe that none of the farmers were following the improved practices viz high yielding varieties, seed treatment, soil testing and time and method of harvesting before acquiring training whereas after attending training programmes 88.7 percent trainees adopted Pusa Basmati 1509, 66.2 percent seed treatment, 50.0 percent soil testing and 37.5 percent adopted appropriate time and method of harvesting. Further it was perceived that after attending the training programmes, the farmers started adopting the production technologies ranging from 22.5 percent for storage to 86.7 per cent for high yielding variety i.e. Pusa Basmati 1509.