A Study on Profile Characteristics of Farmers on Soil Health Card in Rangareddy District of Telangana, India
Akula Latha Rani *
Department of Agricultural Extension, College of Agriculture, University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Bangalore–560 065, Karnataka, India.
S. Ganesamoorthi
Department of Agricultural Extension, College of Agriculture, University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Bangalore–560 065, Karnataka, India.
N. S. Shivalinge Gowda
Department of Agricultural Extension, Former Director of Extension, College of Agriculture, University of Agricultural Sciences, Hebbal, Bengaluru-560 024, India.
A. Sathish
Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, College of Agriculture, University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Bengaluru-560 065, India.
T. L. Mohan Kumar
Department of Agricultural Statistics, Applied Mathematics and Computer Sciences, College of Agriculture, University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Bengaluru-560 065, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Agriculture is the backbone of the Indian economy and the primary source of income for the larger part of the Indian population. The investigation was conducted in two blocks namely Shabad and Kothur of Rangareddy district of Telangana State during the year 2019-2020 to analyse the profile characteristics of farmers on the soil health card. Ex-post-facto-research design was used for investigation. Data were collected using a standardised and pre-tested interview schedule. It was observed that the larger number of farmers were in the categories of middle-aged (45.83%), small farmers (29.17%), studied up to PUC(Pre-university course) (21.67%), medium level on farming experience (29.17%), medium level on achievement motivation (58.33%), medium level of management orientation (50.83%), medium level on scientific orientation (75.00%), medium level on mass media exposure (55.83%), medium level on extension participation (40.83%), membership in one organization about social participation (46.66%), medium level on innovativeness (70.83%), medium level extension contact (66.66%) and a medium level of cosmopoliteness (61.66%). Less than one-third of farmers had a farming experience of 30.00%, 58.33% of respondents belonged to the low annual income group and 11.66% had a high level of cosmopoliteness. The Panchayat Raj Institutes need to be involved in publicizing demonstrations and training farmers in ensuring farmer participation from nearby areas for widespread dissemination of technology. The government need to promote inclusive policies in its governance with adequate investment for sustainable soil management and provide effective education/extension programmes at various levels.
Keywords: Soil health card, farmers, soil health, profile characteristics