Socio-economic and agricultural practices in Rupnagar district, Punjab: A study on farmer literacy, crop cultivation, and Government Scheme awareness

Abstract

This research investigates the socio-economic and agricultural dynamics of five villages in Rupnagar District, Punjab, focusing on farmer demographics, education levels, crop cultivation patterns, and government agricultural scheme participation. Primary data were collected through surveys, revealing that the majority of farmers in these villages cultivate paddy and wheat, with limited diversification into crops like sugarcane and maize. The study highlights a high literacy rate (90%) among farmers, though a small portion remains illiterate, affecting their ability to adopt advanced agricultural practices.Additionally, the study uncovers a significant gap in farmer participation in government schemes, with 80% of respondents not enrolled in any programs, signaling a need for improved outreach and accessibility. An assessment of educational interventions using video tools showed substantial improvement in farmer awareness of the Leaf Color Chart (LCC), a tool for nitrogen management. This demonstrates the effectiveness of targeted training in promoting sustainable farming practices. The findings call for broader educational initiatives and enhanced farmer participation in government programs to foster agricultural development and socio-economic upliftment in the region.