Response of special package programme for agriculture development in Kerala

Abstract

This study was designed to measure the programme participation, programme knowledge, knowledge on improved practices and adoption of farmers in the IED, CE and EEs unit of Kerala State. Sample' of farmers from the three types of units were selected by random sampling process. Sample of JAOs of the units vac also selected to collect data. The analysis revealed the following 1. There was no significant difference in programme participation between the farmers of the IH) unite implemented over five years and leas than five years and also between tho farmers of the CP areas of disease free and disease affected areas. 2. The farmers of PE areas showed better participation than the farmers of IED areas. But there was no difference between the farmers of the EP and CP areas. 3. There was no significant difference in programme knowledge among the farmers of the different IED and CE areas. 4. Earmars of PP areas had better programme knowledge than the farmers of the IPD and CP areas. 5. Tho farmers of IPD areas had better knowledge on seed rate, fertilizer requirement, nutrients, liming and HYVs than the formers of the control areas. The farmers of CP areas had better knowledge on hybrid seedlings and spacing than control areas. The knowledge on hybrid pepper, pit size, nutrients, fertilizer requirement and pest and diseases were more in the cane of farmers of PP areas than control areas. 6. Majority of JAOs and farmers had a favourable attitude towards the respective package programmes. 7. The adoption of improved agricultural practices was more in all the package areas than the control areas. 8. In both IPD and CP programmes, programme knowledge on improved practices, participation and attitude had significant influence on adoption behaviour. But in the caso of PP programe, programme knowledge had no significant influence.