Farmers’ attitude toward climate smart agriculture technologies under changing climatic conditions

Abstract

Understanding farmers’ attitude toward Climate Smart Agriculture Technologies (CSATs) is crucial for enhancing their adoption and improving agricultural resilience under changing climatic conditions. The present study assessed farmers’ attitude toward CSATs in Chhattisgarh, India, with emphasis on component wise and overall attitude patterns. The study was conducted during 2022–23 and 2023–24 across the three agro-climatic zones of Chhattisgarh, Northern Hills, Chhattisgarh Plains and Bastar Plateau. A proportional random sampling technique was employed to select six districts, followed by the selection of two blocks per district and two villages per block, resulting in a sample of 360 farmers. Data were collected through personal interviews and group discussions. The results indicate that a majority of farmers exhibited a moderately favourable attitude toward CSATs across all major components. With respect to land levelling, 66.95% of respondents showed a moderately favourable attitude. For zero tillage, 68.89% of respondents were moderately favourable. In the case of residue management or mulching, 65.56% of farmers exhibited a moderately favourable attitude. Attitudes toward precision nutrient management were predominantly moderate, with 72.77% of respondents falling in this category. Similar trends were observed for crop diversification and alternate wetting and drying, where 66.94% and 68.89% of respondents, respectively, expressed moderately favourable attitudes. Overall attitude analysis revealed that 52.50% of farmers possessed a moderately favourable attitude toward CSATs, 30.56% had a favourable attitude, and 16.94% exhibited a less favourable attitude. The predominance of moderately favourable attitude across components suggests partial awareness and acceptance of CSATs, but also indicates gaps in in-depth knowledge and conviction regarding their benefits.