Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a major cereal crop that plays a crucial role in ensuring food security in India. This study aimed to assess the knowledge level of wheat growers regarding improved wheat production technologies in Jamui district of Bihar. A multistage random sampling technique was employed to select a sample of 120 respondents from 12 villages across two blocks. Primary data were collected through personal interviews using a pre-structured interview schedule. The results revealed that 56.66% of the respondents possessed a medium level of knowledge, while 25% had low knowledge, and 18.34% had high knowledge. Farmers exhibited the highest knowledge regarding sowing time (90.56%), irrigation management (88%), and harvesting (75.34%). Practices like plant growth regulators (45.37%) and intercropping (56.76%) had relatively lower knowledge levels. Correlation analysis showed that variables like age, caste, education, risk orientation, scientific orientation, and extension contact had a significant positive correlation with knowledge level. Annual income, marital status, land holding, family type, and family size exhibited a positive but statistically insignificant correlation, while economic motivation showed a negative correlation with knowledge level. The study highlights the need for strengthening extension services, educational programs, and promoting scientific orientation and risk-taking ability among farmers to enhance their knowledge and facilitate the adoption of improved wheat production technologies, ultimately leading to increased productivity in the region.
Author(s) Details:
Sandeep Kumar
Department of Extension Education, Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture & Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya, U.P. (224229), India.
R. Meena
Department of Extension Education, Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture & Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya, U.P. (224229), India.
R.K. Doharey
Department of Extension Education, Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture & Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya, U.P. (224229), India.
Mani Bhusan
Department of Extension Education, Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour Bhagalpur, India.
Amrit Warshini
Department of Extension Education, Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture & Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya, U.P. (224229), India.
Aman Verma
Department of Extension Education, Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture & Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya, U.P. (224229), India.
Recent Global Research Developments in Awareness of Improved Wheat Farming Practices
Meeting the Challenges Facing Wheat Production: The Strategic Research Agenda of the Global Wheat Initiative [1]:
Wheat plays a crucial role in global food security, providing 20% of carbohydrates and protein.
The Wheat Initiative, established in 2011, aims to support the wheat research community by facilitating collaboration, information sharing, and capacity building.
Researchers focus on improving wheat productivity, sustainability, and addressing challenges in an increasingly variable environment.
Food Security and the Dynamics of Wheat and Maize Value Chains [2]:
Research emphasizes improving the productivity and sustainability of wheat and maize farming, which is linked to food security.
Stability and utilization dimensions of food security also require continued support.
Role of Wheat for Global Food Security [3]:
The Green Revolution since the 1960s significantly transformed world wheat production, benefiting both producers and consumers through low production costs and food prices.
Farmers’ Willingness to Adopt Sustainable Agricultural Practices [4]:
A meta-analysis focused on farmers’ willingness to adopt sustainable practices.
The study analyzed 59 studies providing 286 willingness-to-accept estimates.
Contribution of Eco-Friendly Agricultural Practices in Improving Wheat Yields [5]:
Embracing eco-friendly methods in wheat farming can lead to high and sustainable yields.
A comprehensive strategy addressing multiple factors is essential.
References
- Langridge P, Alaux M, Almeida NF, Ammar K, Baum M, Bekkaoui F, Bentley AR, Beres BL, Berger B, Braun H-J, et al. Meeting the Challenges Facing Wheat Production: The Strategic Research Agenda of the Global Wheat Initiative. Agronomy. 2022; 12(11):2767. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12112767
- Grote U, Fasse A, Nguyen TT and Erenstein O (2021) Food Security and the Dynamics of Wheat and Maize Value Chains in Africa and Asia. Front. Sustain. Food Syst. 4:617009. doi: 10.3389/fsufs.2020.617009
- Shiferaw, B., Smale, M., Braun, HJ. et al. Crops that feed the world 10. Past successes and future challenges to the role played by wheat in global food security. Food Sec. 5, 291–317 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12571-013-0263-y
- Boufous, S., Hudson, D., & Carpio, C. (2023). Farmers’ willingness to adopt sustainable agricultural practices: A meta-analysis. PLOS Sustainability and Transformation, 2(1), e0000037.
- Rebouh NY, Khugaev CV, Utkina AO, Isaev KV, Mohamed ES, Kucher DE. Contribution of Eco-Friendly Agricultural Practices in Improving and Stabilizing Wheat Crop Yield: A Review. Agronomy. 2023; 13(9):2400. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13092400
