International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development

author(s)
Rahul Pawar, Devendrappa S and Nithya Shree DA

abstract
Information and communication technology plays a crucial role in addressing challenges in agriculture. This study was conducted in Athani taluk, Belagavi District, Karnataka, using a 'Before-After' experimental design without a control group to assess the effectiveness of a Mobile App on enhancing farmers' knowledge of sugarcane cultivation practices. The App, specifically developed for this research, focused on various aspects of sugarcane cultivation and served as the treatment for the study. A total of 50 sugarcane growers were randomly selected for participation. The findings revealed the highest mean difference of 3.20 in integrated disease management, followed by weed management at 2.40, and both integrated pest management and chemical fertilizer at 2.20. Factors such as farming experience, landholding size, extension contact, economic motivation, management orientation, scientific orientation, and cosmopoliteness were positively and significantly correlated with knowledge gain. These results suggest that extension personnel should focus on disseminating knowledge in these areas, particularly through Mobile Apps, to better educate sugarcane farmers and maximize their benefits. The Mobile App not only enhances the respondents' knowledge but also aids in the retention of that knowledge over time.