International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development

author(s)
Muskan Shree, DP Rai, YK Singh and Gauri Shankar Prajapati

abstract
The present study was conducted in Chapra district (Saran), Bihar, selected purposively based on the researcher’s convenience. Chapra, located in north-western Bihar, is a fertile region enclosed by the Ganga, Gandak, and Ghaghara rivers, with a rich historical and cultural legacy, including being the birthplace of Dr. Rajendra Prasad, India’s first President. The district’s economy is predominantly agrarian, with major crops including paddy, wheat, maize, pulses, and sugarcane, supplemented by vegetable cultivation, dairy farming, and small-scale industries. For the study, Chapra block was purposively selected from the 20 blocks in the district. Out of 109 village panchayats, five villages were randomly chosen, and a total of 120 respondents (24 from each village) were selected using a random sampling technique. The study focused on assessing the variables related to rural farmers, categorizing them into independent and dependent variables, and measuring them according to the objectives of the research. The study assessed the socio-economic profile and participation level of 120 beneficiary farmers in Chapra district, Bihar. Among respondents, 39.16% were middle-aged, 31.70% had high school education, 74.16% were married, 41.67% belonged to OBC, 32.5% had medium landholding, 71.66% had nuclear families, 44.16% had small family size, 47.5% had high annual income, 45% lived in pakka houses, and 38.33% were primarily engaged in agriculture. Regarding participation in agricultural activities, 50% showed partial involvement in crop production (Mean Score 1.93, Rank VII), 65.83% had no participation in fruit production (Mean 2.48, Rank I), 40% participated partially in vegetable cultivation (Mean 2.06, Rank VI), and 48.33% partially engaged in animal husbandry (Mean 1.8, Rank X). Moderate to low participation was observed in goat keeping, poultry, fish farming, SHGs/cooperatives, business, small-scale industry, and agriculture service centers, with Mean Scores ranging from 1.8 to 2.21, indicating variable engagement across sectors.