Journal of Community Mobilization and Sustainable Development

Banana cultivation in Bihar plays a vital role in household sustenance, economic prosperity, and farmer livelihoods. This study aims to evaluate plantation management knowledge among banana growers, considering its significant implications. Bananas serve as both a dietary staple and a supplementary income source at the household level, enhancing food security and financial stability. Economically, banana cultivation significantly contributes to Bihar’s agricultural output and presents lucrative export opportunities, promote rural economies and supporting farmer livelihoods. Understanding and enhancing plantation management knowledge are crucial for sustainable livelihoods due to the heavy reliance on banana plantations for sustenance. Additionally, exploring avenues for value addition, such as post-harvest processing and market diversification, is critical for enhancing profitability and competitiveness. The empirical study revealed intriguing data patterns regarding knowledge levels among banana growers in Bihar. The study was conducted in two districts of Bihar namely Bhagalpur and Khagaria. The sample size was 200. While a significant proportion of respondents exhibited moderate knowledge levels across various cultivation practices, substantial gaps were observed in crucial areas such as irrigation management and pest/disease control. Chi-square analysis indicated uniformity in knowledge levels between farmers in different districts, while correlation analysis highlighted factors influencing adoption rates. Tailored training programs, strengthened extension services, promotion of best practices, research and innovation, and financial incentives are recommended strategies to address identified knowledge gaps and improve adoption rates among banana growers. These initiatives hold promise for enhancing productivity, sustainability, and livelihoods within Bihar’s banana farming communities.