Assessment of Knowledge and Attitude of Peri-urban Farmers Towards Covid-19

The COVID-19 outbreak affects all segments of the population and is particularly detrimental to members of those social groups in the most vulnerable situations. The restrictions imposed as a measure to contain the spread of the virus has led to disruption in farming activities and agricultural supply chain. Farmers, already stressed by numerous factors have to face an unprecedented crisis that may last for a long time. The present study attempts to investigate the farmers’ knowledge and attitude towards COVID-19 during the second wave of the pandemic. The study also examines farmer’s attitude towards agriculture and its association with various demographic variables. The study was conducted in Rangareddy and Vikarabad districts which are surrounding Hyderabad. Following random sampling, two mandal from each districts were selected. Further, from each mandal two villages and 30 farmers from each village were selected randomly. Hence, the total sample size for the study was 240 farmers. The results of the study showed that the majority of farmers had the good knowledge about the symptoms and transmission of the disease but the knowledge about the asymptomatic transmission was less. They also had positive attitude toward the control of the pandemic. Farmer had faith in the control measures taken by the government. The findings also indicated that pandemic had decreased the confidence of the farmers in agriculture and led to the Distress sale of agricultural products. Education showed positive relation with knowledge and attitude of the farmers towards the pandemic. The study provides critical and timely insights into the farmers knowledge and attitude towards the pandemic. The results of the study will government and public health organizations establish and implement appropriate policies and interventions towards educating the farmers towards better management of the pandemic like situations.