Adoption of improved agricultural practices for wheat crop in babina block of Jhansi district (U.P.)
Abstract
The present study, entitled “Adoption of Improved Agricultural Practices for Wheat Crops in Babina Block of Jhansi district (U.P.),” was undertaken to assess the awareness, extent of adoption, and constraints in the adoption of improved agricultural practices (IAPs) among wheat farmers. A total of 120 respondents were chosen through multistage purposive-cum-random sampling from different villages of the Babina block. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and examined using percentage analysis, mean, standard deviation, chi-square test, Garrett ranking, correlation, and regression analysis. The findings acknowledged that the majority of farmers were aware of foundational agronomical practices, such as timely sowing and crop rotation, HYV seeds, but lacked the knowledge to make use of advanced technologies like soil testing and minimum tillage. Further findings suggested a weak positive correlation of large farmers having a high rate of adoption, affirmed by the chi-square and Spearman correlation test. Major constraints included a lack of knowledge, high input costs, and inadequate extension support. Physical barriers like unfavourable rainfall, drought, and high temperature are concerning environmental factors acting as barriers to increased yield. The study suggests improving agricultural extension service delivery by frequent and seasonal field visits to farmers' fields, improving awareness through training, ensuring subsidy support to small and marginal farmers, awareness about government schemes. The findings have practical implications for policymakers, extension workers, and researchers aiming to improve wheat productivity and farmer livelihoods in the region thus evolving the overall income and livelihood of the people.
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Introduction
Wheat is undoubtedly the most widely grown, looked-after crop after rice, and a staple crop for most countries worldwide. Also, being an important cereal crop globally and nationwide, it is instrumental to food security for many economies of the world, and mainly for developing and constantly evolving economies like India, and many countries where wheat is the main food for consumption. Wheat provides about 20% of global dietary energy and protein intake (FAO). It is estimated by trusted sources that the crop is serving the primary caloric needs of 35% of the global population around the world. In 2024/25, global wheat production reached a historic 793.2 million metric tons (MMT), driven by technological advancements and expanded cultivation areas, yet tempered by climatic volatility and geopolitical disruptions (FAO, 2023; Reuters, 2025, March 10). Asia: India emerges as a growth leader, with record production of 115.4 MMT projected for 2024/25, at 6.7% increase over 2021/22 levels-attributed to Minimum Support Price (MSP) incentives and adoption of high-yield seed varieties. (Indian Express, 2025 March 10) What are improved agricultural practices (IAPs)? Improved agricultural practices are validated or trustworthy practices, techniques, technologies, and methods of farming that enhance, improve, and increase the crop's fertility, productivity, efficiency, sustainability, and bring environmental resilience. The introduction of improved agricultural practices is not a new concept.in modern agriculture improved agricultural practices include wide range of practices and tools like zero tillage and minimum tillage, mechanised and timely farm operation, integrated nutrient management, and timely management practices (weed management, pest management, water application, etc.), climate resilient seed www.extensionjournal.com varieties, high-yielding varieties, though overrated, but still prevalent, diversified farming, intercropping, precision farming etc. All these interventions and tools play a significant role in making agriculture modern with the latest addition of precision farming, geographical mapping, global positioning system, and resource mapping, making it more appealing and advanced. The adoption of such technologies and tools will lead to further enhancement in yield, lower input costs, reduced losses, and decreased costs. Studies in Bundelkhand have shown that farmers adopting zero tillage and improved seed varieties reported a 15-20% increase in wheat yield along with savings in irrigation and labour costs (Choudhary et al., 2019) [3] . Hence it becomes of great significance for developing country like India to comprehend the Various Improved Practices Being Adopted by Farmers for Wheat Crop. The present study was conducted to study the adoption of Improved agricultural practices for wheat crop in Babina block of Jhansi District (U.P.).
Methodology
The universe of the study is submerged inside the Bundelkhand region of Jhansi district eastern Uttar Pradesh, known for being drought-affected where wheat cultivation plays a major role in farmers livelihoods (District Agriculture Office, 2023). Study emphasises upon the undeveloped area in terms of poor infrastructure due to its geography and unfruitful less productive soil. An average of 15 farmers were randomly chosen from each village, resulting in a total sample size of 120 respondents. A multistage purposive-cum-random sampling method was used i.e., the study utilises stratified as well as random sampling methods to categorise the findings. A sample size of 120 farmers practicing wheat cultivation was selected, furthermore, 8 villages from the block were surveyed, and 15 respondents from each village were interviewed through a well-drafted questionnaire. The investigation employed the application of descriptive statistics, chi-square test, Pearson correlation test, Spearman correlation analysis, Garrett ranking, Satisfaction Index, and regression analysis for addressing the objectives in the study. Analytical tools and appropriate questionnaire was prepared for effective analysis and collection of data.
Results and Discussion
The notable aspects of the key discoveries of the investigation are listed below:
Socio-economic profile of the farmers
The sample involved overall male participation (100%). 60% of the farmers belonged to the Senior age group (51+). The percentage of farmers with an illiterate and primary education level was 38.3% and 35.8%, respectively, dominating the education category. Overall, more than half (64.5%) of the farmers had marginal (<1 ha) and small (1-2 ha) of land landholdings. The mean landholding of 2.23 hectares has been reported, with min land holding being 0.2 ha and the maximum 7 hectares. The two major sources of information for farmers are fellow farmers, 48%, and private dealers, 51%. Yield was evaluated to be 32.25 quintals/ hectares before IAP adoption. Yield after IAP adoption increased to 38.47 quintals/hectares.
Conclusion
The study concludes that awareness and adoption do exist in a moderately abundant amount. However, awareness and adoption are present partially and incompletely, which hinders the capitalisation of the practices to obtain a marked increase in yield.
References
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