Multiple regression analysis of factors influencing knowledge and adoption behaviour of grape growers

Abstract

Grape cultivation is one of the most important and profitable horticultural enterprises in Karnataka, particularly in Chikkaballapur district where favourable agro-climatic conditions support commercial grape production. Adoption of recommended grape production technologies plays a crucial role in improving productivity, fruit quality and farmers’ income. However, the extent of knowledge and adoption of these technologies varies among grape growers due to differences in socio-economic and communication characteristics. The present study was conducted to analyze the factors influencing knowledge and adoption behaviour of grape growers towards recommended grape production technologies. The study adopted an ex-post facto research design. Multiple Linear Regression analysis was employed to determine the relationship between knowledge and adoption levels with selected independent variables such as Age, Education, Family Size, Experience, Annual Income, Cosmopolitness, Economic Orientation, Extension Participation, Extension Contact and Marketing Behaviour. The results revealed that the regression model for knowledge was statistically significant with an R-squared value of 0.721, indicating that 72.1 per cent of the variation in knowledge level was explained by the selected variables. Marketing behaviour, Education, Extension Contact and Age were found to significantly influence knowledge level, among which Marketing behaviour emerged as the strongest predictor. Similarly, the adoption model was also statistically significant with an R-squared value of 0.742, explaining 74.2 per cent variation in adoption behaviour. Family Size, Education and Extension Contact showed significant positive influence on adoption behaviour. The study highlighted that extension contact and educational status play a vital role in improving both knowledge and adoption levels among grape growers. The findings emphasize the need to strengthen extension services, improve farmers’ educational exposure and promote effective communication strategies to reduce technological gaps and enhance adoption of recommended grape production technologies for sustainable grape cultivation.