Assessment of personal, socio-economic, communicational and psychological characteristics of sugarcane growers in relation to soil health management practices

Abstract

The research was conducted in three tehsils of Kolhapur district Karveer, Hatkanangle, and Shirol that are prominent for sugarcane cultivation. A total of 150 sugarcane farmers were selected and interviewed personally using a structured and pre-tested interview schedule. The study considered thirteen independent variables encompassing the personal, socio-economic, communicational, and psychological attributes of the respondents, measured through suitable tools and scales. The findings indicated that most sugarcane growers were from the middle-age category, had education up to higher secondary level, owned small to semi-medium landholdings, and possessed moderate farming experience. The majority displayed medium levels of mass media utilization, information-seeking behaviour, social participation and innovativeness. Overall, most respondents had moderate knowledge but low adoption of Soil Health Management (SHM) practices. The primary challenges faced were inadequate awareness of recommended fertilizer dosages and limited technical skills in soil testing. The study recommends enhancing training facilities, improving accessibility to soil testing services and ensuring the availability of organic inputs. Strengthened efforts by the Department of Agriculture and extension agencies such as demonstrations, farmer rallies and awareness programs are essential to increase the adoption of SHM practices among sugarcane farmers in the area.