Innovative behaviour of awardee farmers in Konkan region

Abstract

The present study examines the innovative behaviour of awardee farmers in the Konkan region of Maharashtra, recognising their role as potential change agents in agricultural development. The research was conducted across five districts viz., Thane, Palghar, Raigad, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg and involved a sample of 40 farmers who had received state-level agricultural awards between 2012 and 2023. Respondents were selected through proportionate random sampling, and data were collected using a pre-tested interview schedule. An ex-post facto research design was employed to assess their innovative behaviour. The findings revealed that three-fourths of the respondents (75.00 per cent) fell within the medium to very high categories of innovative behaviour, while a quarter exhibited low or very low levels. This variation underscores both the achievements and the untapped potential of award-winning farmers in the region. The study highlights the need for targeted capacity-building programmes, farmer-to-farmer learning, and policy support to enhance the innovative behaviour of these farmers and promote wider diffusion of best practices.