Perceived institutional support for green technologies among paddy farmers in Telangana

Farmers need information and practical assistance to judge whether green technologies suit their paddy fields. This investigation examined how 300 paddy farmers in Telangana perceived the support available from agricultural institutions. An ex-post facto design and multistage sampling were used, covering 12 villages across three districts and three agroclimatic zones. Respondents assessed seven statements on a three-point scale: agree, undecided and disagree, scored 3, 2 and 1. Analysis included frequencies, percentages, weighted means and rankings. Total scores were grouped into low, medium and high categories using exclusive class intervals. The medium category included 74.00 per cent of farmers, compared with 19.00 per cent in the high category and 7.00 per cent in the low category. The average total was 14.73 out of 21. Timely communication about sustainable farming schemes obtained the highest weighted mean (2.39). Support for joining farmer field schools and demonstrations followed (2.31), whereas adequate extension guidance received the lowest mean (1.74). For six of the seven statements, undecided was the most frequent response. The results point to a need for clearer communication and closer attention to practical advice. Follow-up assessment should establish whether farmers know about a service, can obtain it and find it useful.