Drivers of information sources use pattern by the farm households of Bihar

Agriculture is the main occupation of a large majority of households in Bihar. The differences in demographics and availability and accessibility of various information sources determine the information sources use pattern. Information is one of the basic inputs required prior to, during and after performing any agriculture practices. Present study was conducted in Muzaffarpur and Madhubani districts of Bihar that included a random sample of 120 farmers, 60 each from both the districts. The farmers of Muzaffarpur and Madhubani districts were having varied perceptions on information needs for most of the aspects in agriculture. The step wise multiple regression models revealed that mass media use, education, family size and household expenditure together have explained 53 per cent variation in farmers’ perception on information needs. While, mass media use, education, annual income, family size and personal localite sources use together have determined 61 per cent variation in fulfillment of information needs with respect to various aspects of agriculture. The farmers’ attributes like mass media use, education, annual income, family size and personal localite sources use together have determined 63 per cent variation in perceived effectiveness of the communication sources.