International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development

author(s)
Yogesh Kumar and VK Sharma

abstract
The study was conducted in Junawai block of Sambhal district, Uttar Pradesh, to assess farmers’ knowledge, the extent of adoption, and constraints in adopting recommended practices. A total of 90 respondents were selected through random sampling across five villages, and data were collected using a structured interview schedule. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including mean percentage scores (MPS), frequency, percentage, and ranking techniques, were employed for analysis. Results revealed that a majority of farmers possessed a medium level of knowledge (53.33%) of improved technologies, with fewer respondents in the high (22.22%) and low (24.44%) knowledge categories. Knowledge was highest for nursery bed preparation (85.50% MPS), land preparation (82.30%), and irrigation (80.20%), while lower scores were recorded for fertilizer application (67.50%), plant protection (66.10%), and the use of improved varieties (65.00%). Adoption patterns followed a similar trend, with 52.22% of farmers in the medium adoption category, 27.78% in the low category, and only 20.00% in the high category. Among specific practices, nursery bed preparation (78.60%), land preparation (75.50%), and irrigation (73.00%) were the most widely adopted, whereas the use of improved varieties (55.20%) and plant protection measures (58.70%) recorded the lowest adoption rates. Constraints analysis revealed that pest and disease problems (78.10% MPS) were the most severe barrier, followed by non-availability of quality seed (72.50%) and lack of technical guidance (68.40%). Additional challenges included the high cost of chemicals, labour shortages, inadequate market facilities, and high technology costs. The study highlights that farmers adopt basic practices more readily than technical ones, with significant gaps in fertilizer use, varietal selection, and plant protection. Strengthened extension, efficient input systems, and improved infrastructure are crucial to bridging these gaps and ensuring sustainable rice productivity.