Profile and Suggestions of dryland farmers about dryland technologies in Marathwada region of Maharashtra

Introduction

Dry land agriculture is the practice of growing crops in arid, semi-arid, and sub-humid climates solely through rainfall. One type of subsistence farming in areas with insufficient rainfall is dry land agriculture. Through the use of diverse dry land farming technologies, high-yield and highefficiency agricultural output can be achieved in areas without irrigation and that rely heavily on natural rainfall. Based on the amount of rainfall received, dry land agriculture has been divided into three categories: 1. Dry farming: This is the practice of cultivating crops without irrigation in dry regions with less than 750 mm of annual rainfall and a growth season of less than 75 days. Due to extended dry spells during the crop cycle, crop failures are more common in dry farming. Potential transpiration and evaporation exceed typical rainfall. There are less than 200 days in the growth season.

Dry land farming:

Growing crops in regions that get more than 750 mm but less than 1150 mm of rainfall. Crop failure is less common, however there are dry spells during the crop's lifespan. This category includes semi-arid locations.

Materials and Methods

The present study was conducted randomly in the Parbhani district of the Marathwada region in Maharashtra, where a considerable number of dryland farmers are there. The objective was to study the Profile and suggestions of dryland farmers related to dryland technologies among farmers in Marathwada region of Maharashtra. One taluka, Parbhani, is selected randomly from the district. From the taluka, six villages with a significant number of dryland farmers who were practicing dryland agriculture were randomly chosen. In each village, 20 dryland farmers who are practicing dryland agriculture were selected randomly, making a total of 120 respondents for the study. Two dependent variables Knowledge and Adoption and seven independent variables viz., Age, Education, Size of family, Land holding, Annual income, Extension participation and Social participation were selected for the study. Data were collected from respondents using an interview schedule through personal interviews. The data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and Pearson's coefficient of correlation.

Variables and their empirical measurements

Variables and their empirical measurements

Distribution of respondents according to the Suggestions given by farmers for adoption of recommended dry land agricultural practices.

The suggestions obtained from farmers to overcome problems was noted. The frequency and percentage for each constraint was worked out and based on percentage the ranks were allotted.

Distribution of respondents according to the Suggestions given by farmers for adoption of recommended dry land agricultural practices There is a need to simplify the procedure for subsidy and loan. 86 71.66% V

The table showed that, 80.00 percent of farmers suggested that There is a need of information awareness about soil and water conservation technology and ranked I. 76.66 percent of farmers suggested that There is a need of frequent technical extension guidance and ranked II. 75 percent of farmers suggested that Financial facilities should be given in time for adoption of dry land technologies and ranked III. 74.16 percent of farmers suggested that There is a need of appropriate services from the agricultural department and ranked IV. 71.66 percent of farmers suggested that There is a need to simplify the procedure for subsidy and loan and ranked V. www.extensionjournal.com

The findings were similar to Parasu Ram Singh et al. (2004) [16] and Kumbhare and Singh (2011) [7] .

Conclusion

It was observed that majority of the dryland farmers were middle aged farmers (60%), educated up to higher secondary school level (35.83%), medium size of family (65%), having marginal land holdings (40.83%), with medium level of annual income (87.50%), medium extension participation (52.50%) and belonged to medium level of social participation. The study also identifies that, 80 percent of the farmers have suggested that there is a need of information awareness about soil and water conservation technology, 76.66 percent of the farmers have suggested that there is a need of frequent technical extension guidance and 75 percent of the farmers have suggested that financial facilities should be given in time for adoption of dry land technologies are the major suggestions given by the respondents.

Overall, the study suggests that promoting the adoption of dryland technologies among dryland farmers requires a multi-faceted approach that addresses knowledge gaps, ensures availability and accessibility, and provides policy support. By addressing the knowledge gaps identified in this study, policymakers, extension agencies, and other stakeholders can develop effective strategies to promote the adoption of dryland technologies among dryland farmers.

Ultimately, this can contribute to improved crop productivity, soil health, and environmental sustainability.

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