International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development

author(s)
Saikiran Chintakindi, RS Sengar and Shaik Muneer

abstract
The present investigation was undertaken to study the profile characteristics of farmers practicing Climate-Smart Agricultural Technologies (CSATs) in Chhattisgarh State under varying agro-climatic conditions. An ex-post facto research design was adopted for the study. The sampling framework covered all three agro-climatic zones of the state, namely the Northern Hills, Chhattisgarh Plains, and Bastar Plateau. Using proportional random sampling, six districts were selected, followed by a multistage simple random sampling technique, resulting in the selection of 360 respondents from 24 villages across 12 blocks. Data were collected using a structured interview schedule and analyzed using frequency and percentage analysis. The findings revealed that a majority of the respondents were educated up to the middle school level (35%) and possessed medium farming experience (11–15 years). Most respondents belonged to the semi-medium farm size category, followed by medium holdings, and predominantly lived in nuclear families. Agriculture was the primary occupation for all respondents, with a considerable proportion combining it with business activities (33.05%). Livestock ownership was common, particularly cows, poultry, and buffaloes, contributing to livelihood diversification. Most respondents reported an annual family income of ?2,00,001–3,00,000, with tubewells, canals, and wells as major sources of irrigation. Social participation was moderate, with over half of the respondents holding membership in two organizations, and medium extension contact (58.88%), mainly through input dealers and extension personnel. A majority exhibited medium levels of innovative proneness and risk orientation. Farm mechanization was moderate, with ownership of tractors, use of desi ploughs for tillage, pumps for irrigation, and knapsack sprayers for plant protection. Most respondents had medium perception of climate change (68.89%), medium ICT utilization, medium information needs, moderately favourable attitude towards CSATs and medium engagement with Weather-Based Agro-Advisory Services (69.72%).