Comparative study on knowledge level of marginal and small farmers about rice production technology

The study was conducted in Milkipur block of Faizabad district which was selected purposively. A total number of 100 rice growers (50 marginal + 50 small) were selected through proportionate random sampling from four sample villages on the basis of land size. The data revealed that the maximum number of respondents in both the categories i.e., marginal (78%) and small (60%) were found in middle age (34 to 60 yrs) group. Majority of marginal (78%) and small (92%) farmers were found as literate who belonged to backward caste (54%) & general caste (46%). Dominance of single family system (66%) was there in marginal farmers, while the joint family system (54%) was observed in case of small farmers. The majority of both the farmers (70% & 74%) had agriculture as the main occupation. Overall material possession of small farmers was better as compared to marginal farmers. Majority of both the farmers were found in medium scientific orientation (44% & 52%), economic motivation (66% & 64%) and risk orientation (62% & 70%), respectively. Majority of marginal farmers were better in knowledge extent about nursery bed preparation (60%), nursery sowing and raising (68%), as compared to small farmer, while the majority of small farmers were better in knowledge extent about plant protection (48%); both the farmers possessed the same medium knowledge extent about improved variety (60% & 62%), land preparation for transplantation (56% & 57%), transplanting (58% & 62%) & fertilizers application (52% & 54%), respectively. Both the farmers possessed the same high knowledge about irrigation (56% & 52&), weed control (48% & 36%) & harvesting/post harvesting (56% & 58%), respectively. The knowledge extent (65.58) of small farmers is though less yet they adopt (69.01) the rice production technology more which was found just reverse in the case of marginal farmers (62.60 & 60.86), respectively.