International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development
2025, Vol. 8, Issue 10, Part C
Opinion of parents of secondary school students about agriculture
SY Tamboli, JR Kadam, PM Mandavkar and PJ Kshirsagar
The study was conducted in Ratnagiri district of South Konkan Region of Maharashtra. Two tahsils, Chiplun and Mandangad, were selected from Ratnagiri district based on highest number of schools and lowest number of schools respectively. The parents of secondary school students were selected as respondents from each tahsil based on the criteria of parents residing in the vicinity of school and from each tahsil five schools were selected from different directions to check variations in the study. The total 120 parents of secondary school students were selected for current study.
The study revealed that a majority of parents belonged to the middle-age group, with most engaged in cultivation and possessing medium levels of social media exposure and agricultural exposure. Regarding their opinions on agriculture, more than half per cent of parents held a medium opinion, recognizing agriculture’s importance yet mindful of its challenges.
Significant associations were found between opinions on agriculture and factors like age, major occupation, social media exposure, and exposure to agriculture, indicating these variables substantially shape parental attitudes. Suggestions from parents to build students' interest included making agriculture a compulsory school subject, creating awareness about career opportunities, organizing educational tours, and involving parents in school agricultural activities.
The findings underscore the pivotal role of parental perceptions in shaping students' views about agriculture. They suggest that integrating agriculture into school curricula, enhancing experiential learning, and leveraging modern communication strategies could positively influence youth interest in the sector. The study provides valuable insights for policymakers, educators, and extension personnel to formulate strategies that strengthen agricultural education and secure the future of agriculture through informed, motivated next-generation stakeholders.
SY Tamboli, JR Kadam, PM Mandavkar, PJ Kshirsagar. Opinion of parents of secondary school students about agriculture. Int J Agric Extension Social Dev 2025;8(10):168-171. DOI: 10.33545/26180723.2025.v8.i10c.2528
