Information Dynamics of Cotton Farmers in Akola District of Maharashtra

Access to information is of crucial importance in the present agricultural scenario. The present study was conducted at Akola district of Maharashtra to analyse the information need and information search behavior of cotton farmers. Department of Agriculture, followed by friends and neighbours, input dealers and other progressive farmers were the major sources of information contacted by most of the farmers. Contact frequency of farmers was found to be varying widely with farmers with lower number of information sources found to be relying more on input dealers, radio, television and newspapers. Major information needs of farmers were found to be related to pest management, seeds of new varieties, seed treatment, water management and soil fertility.