International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development

author(s)
Shaik Reshma, Dr. D Shireesha, Dr. V Ravinder Naik and Dr. T Lavanya

abstract
Telangana, an agrarian state in India, has made significant strides in enhancing agricultural practices through innovative initiatives. Among these, the establishment of Rythu Vedikas stands out as a ground-breaking effort aimed at transforming agricultural support and farmer engagement. Launched as part of a broader strategy to improve agricultural productivity and farmer welfare, Rythu Vedikas represent a novel approach to addressing the challenges faced by the farming community. The present research study was conducted during 2023-24. Ex-post-facto research design was followed for the study and a sample of 120 respondents was drawn. The profile of beneficiary farmers includes various socio-economic and behavioral aspects such as age, education, landholding, annual income, awareness on Rythu Vedika activities, information-seeking behavior, knowledge sharing, extension contact, extension participation, achievement motivation, decision-making ability and market intelligence. Results revealed that the majority of respondents were middle-aged (53.33%) and with 47.50 per cent having small landholdings. Regarding education, most respondents (30.00%) had secondary schooling, followed by 17.50 per cent with intermediate education, and 15.83 per cent who were illiterate. In terms of annual income, 50.83 per cent fell into the lower-middle-income group. When it came to awareness on Rythu Vedika activities, 51.67 per cent had high awareness and 48.33 per cent had medium awareness. In terms of information-seeking behavior, the majority of respondents (47.50%) exhibited a medium level, while 40.83 per cent showed a medium level of knowledge sharing. Most farmers (48.33%) had medium extension contact, with 27.50 per cent having high contact. Similarly, extension participation, achievement motivation and decision-making ability were predominantly at medium levels, with 36.67 per cent, 43.33 per cent and 42.50 per cent of farmers in these categories, respectively. For market intelligence, 45.00 per cent of respondents showed a medium level.