Socio-economic and agricultural practices in Rupnagar district, Punjab: A study on farmer literacy, crop cultivation, and Government Scheme awareness

Introduction

Agriculture forms the cornerstone of India's economy, particularly in rural regions where it not only sustains livelihoods but also shapes the socio-economic fabric of communities. Punjab, often referred to as the "Breadbasket of India," is at the forefront of this agricultural dominance, contributing significantly to the nation's food security through the cultivation of staples such as wheat and rice. Within Punjab, the Rupnagar District represents a microcosm of rural India, where traditional farming practices coexist with emerging challenges related to modernization, socio-economic disparities, and resource limitations. Despite the vital role that agriculture plays in the rural economy, farmers in regions like Rupnagar face a myriad of challenges that hinder both productivity and social well-being. Issues such as limited access to advanced farming technologies, low literacy levels among a segment of the farming population, lack of awareness about government agricultural schemes, and insufficient infrastructural support often leave rural farmers struggling to optimize their agricultural potential. These challenges are further compounded by socio-economic disparities within rural communities, as caste dynamics and land ownership patterns continue to influence access to resources and decision-making power in the agricultural sector. This research seeks to provide a holistic understanding of the socio-economic conditions, agricultural practices, and government scheme awareness in five selected villages of Rupnagar District: Dhianpura, Kakrali, Dhangrali, Khairpur, and Dhanauri. The study delves into the demographic structure, highlighting population sizes, gender ratios, and family compositions, which offer insights into the social dynamics that shape agricultural labor and household decision-making processes. Furthermore, the research explores the educational profile of farmers, demonstrating how literacy and access to formal education impact their ability to adopt modern farming techniques and engage with agricultural innovations. A significant aspect of this research is its focus on the participation of farmers in government agricultural schemes. Despite the presence of various government initiatives aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity and farmer welfare-through financial aid, technological support, and infrastructure development-a large proportion of farmers remain unaware or unregistered in these programs. This disconnect highlights the challenges of outreach and accessibility in rural areas and underscores the need for targeted interventions to ensure that the benefits of these schemes reach the intended beneficiaries. The study also investigates the major crop cultivation patterns in the region, identifying the dominance of wheat and paddy cultivation, while also noting crop diversification efforts such as the cultivation of sugarcane and Napier grass. These cropping patterns not only reflect the region's agricultural economy but also indicate broader trends in crop-livestock farming systems and the reliance on staple crops for both commercial and subsistence purposes. In addition to the demographic and socio-economic analysis, this research incorporates an assessment of the effectiveness of educational interventions in improving agricultural knowledge among farmers. Specifically, the study measures the impact of video-based awareness programs on farmers' understanding of the Leaf Color Chart (LCC), a tool used for nitrogen management in crops. The significant improvement in farmer knowledge post-intervention demonstrates the potential for using technology and media to enhance agricultural education and promote the adoption of sustainable farming practices. Overall, this study aims to bridge the gap between policy and practice by offering a comprehensive analysis of rural farming communities in Rupnagar. The findings emphasize the need for improved access to education, increased farmer participation in government schemes, and the implementation of targeted socioeconomic interventions to address disparities within the agricultural community. By providing a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by farmers in these villages, the research contributes to the broader discourse on rural development and agricultural sustainability in India. This research is significant in the context of policy formulation, as it provides evidence-based insights that can inform the design and implementation of more effective agricultural and rural development programs. Moreover, it highlights the importance of community-specific approaches that consider local socioeconomic realities, thus ensuring that policy interventions are relevant and beneficial to the farming communities they aim to support

Method and Material

This study was conducted in five villages of Rupnagar District, Punjab, focusing on 90 farmers. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on demographics, agricultural practices, crop cultivation, and farmer participation in government schemes. The survey also assessed farmers' awareness of the Leaf Color Chart (LCC) for nitrogen management. To enhance LCC awareness, a video-based educational intervention was implemented. Before the intervention, farmers completed a baseline survey on LCC knowledge. They then watched a video demonstrating LCC usage for managing nitrogen levels in crops. After the video, the same survey was conducted to measure the improvement in understanding. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics to assess the effectiveness of the video, revealing a significant increase in LCC knowledge.

Results and Discussion

The population details of five villages in Rupnagar District, Punjab, reveal a diverse demographic profile. Dhianpura has a total population of 908, with 416 males, 400 females, and 92 children. Kakrali is slightly larger, with 1,534 people, including 690 males, 692 females, and 152 children. Dhangrali has a population of 1,591, with an almost equal gender split of 723 males and 720 females, 148 children. Khairpur, the smallest of the villages, has 469 people, including 211 males, 223 females, and 35 children. Finally, Dhanauri is the largest village, with 2,280 residents, comprising 1,038 males, 1,036 females, and 206 children.These villages show a balanced gender ratio, moderate literacy rates, and varying population sizes.

Source: Primary data was gathered using a questionnaire

Caste Composition

The caste composition across the five villages, as illustrated in (Figure 1.2), indicates a predominance of the General category, comprising 70% of the total respondents (63 out of 90). The Other Backward Classes (OBC) represent 22% of the population, while the Scheduled Castes (SC) constitute the smallest group at 8%. Dhianpura has the highest number of respondents from the General category (14), whereas Dhangrali has no representation from the SC community. This distribution reflects the socio-economic stratification typical of rural settings, with a larger representation from the General and OBC categories, and a relatively lower presence of the SC population Source: Primary data was gathered using a questionnaire

House Type

The housing conditions of farmers in the surveyed villages of Rupnagar district, Punjab, reveal two main types of dwellings: pacca and semi-pacca houses. A significant 80% of the farmers live in pacca houses, which are permanent structures built with durable materials like bricks and cement, indicating a relatively high standard of living and economic stability within the community (Fig. 1.5). These permanent homes suggest that a majority of the farmers have sufficient financial resources, likely supported by stable agricultural income, to invest in long-term housing. On the other hand, 20% of the farmers reside in semipacca houses, which are constructed using a mix of durable and less permanent materials, reflecting more vulnerable economic conditions. Semi-pacca houses are typically less resistant to weather and may indicate limited financial means or access to resources. This distribution of housing types highlights a predominantly well-off farming community but also points to economic disparities that affect a smaller portion of the population, emphasizing the need for targeted support to improve living conditions for those in semi-pacca houses (Fig.

1.5).

Source: Primary data was gathered using a questionnaire.

Major crop cultivation

The data on major crop cultivation among surveyed farmers in the Rupnagar district of Punjab underscores key agricultural practices in the region. Paddy and wheat are the dominant crops, with 80% of farmers growing these staples. This reliance reflects Punjab's agricultural economy, influenced by favorable climatic conditions, government support through minimum support prices (MSP), and established irrigation practices. Beyond paddy and wheat, sugarcane is cultivated by 44% of farmers, likely for both commercial sale and local use, while napier grass is grown by 72%, serving as fodder for livestock. This indicates a blend of crop-livestock farming systems. Maize is grown by about 18% of farmers, highlighting its role in crop diversification, though it remains less common than paddy and wheat. Overall, the cultivation patterns show a strong emphasis on cereal crops essential for food security and income, alongside diversification through fodder and commercial crops like sugarcane.

Source: Primary data was gathered using a questionnaire

Source of information

In this study, the source of information refers to the channels through which farmers obtain knowledge related to agricultural practices, government schemes, and modern farming techniques. These sources are crucial in shaping farmers' decisions, improving productivity, and adopting innovative practices like the use of the Leaf Color Chart (LCC) for nitrogen management. The study identified several key sources of information used by farmers in Rupnagar District. These include traditional sources such as fellow farmers, local agricultural officers, and community meetings, where knowledge is often shared through word of mouth. Additionally, modern sources such as television programs, radio broadcasts, and printed materials (pamphlets, agricultural magazines) are also used, albeit to a lesser extent. In recent years, technology-driven platforms like mobile phone apps, social media, and agricultural websites have started gaining traction as well. The research highlights the role of these diverse information sources in influencing farmers' awareness of government schemes and modern farming tools. However, the study also revealed a gap in the effectiveness of traditional information channels, as 80% of farmers were found to be unaware or unregistered in government agricultural programs. This underscores the need for improved outreach and the integration of more modern, accessible information delivery methods, such as visual and video-based tools, to enhance knowledge transfer in rural communities.

Source: Primary data was gathered using a questionnaire

Govt. Agriculture Schemes Involment

Through the provision of financial assistance, technological support, and infrastructure development, government programs significantly contribute to the uplift of farmers. These programs increase agricultural output, guarantee financial security, and provide farmers with information, all of which eventually support the expansion of the agricultural industry and the general well-being of rural communities. The results of a thorough survey reveal a startling fact: a significant 80% of farmers are still not registered in any government programs intended to encourage and improve agricultural practices.

Source: Primary data was gathered using a questionnaire correctly. Following this, a video was designed to demonstrate the practical use of the LCC. The video featured step-by-step guidance on identifying nitrogen deficiencies and applying the correct amount of fertilizer. It also included simple visuals and practical demonstrations to make the information easily accessible and engaging for farmers. After viewing the instructional video, the same group of farmers took the survey again to measure any improvement in their understanding. The post-intervention results showed a significant increase in knowledge, with 81% of farmers answering the questions correctly. This improvement highlighted the effectiveness of using visual tools to teach complex agricultural techniques, as the video successfully bridged the knowledge gap. The intervention not only raised awareness but also encouraged the practical adoption of the LCC among the farmers, showcasing the value of video-based education in rural agricultural settings.

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