Determinants of Farmers’ Knowledge and Attitude Towards Adoption of Improved Fruit Production Technology

AbstractThe study was conducted to assess farmers’ knowledge and attitude towards adoption of improved fruit production technology and to identify the socio-economic factors influencing them in Wokha district of Nagaland, India. A sample of 120 farmers cultivating orange, banana, pineapple, and litchi with more than five years of experience was randomly selected. Data were collected through a pre-tested interview schedule and analyzed using correlation and regression methods. The results indicated that a majority of the farmers possessed a medium level of knowledge and exhibited a favourable attitude towards improved practices. Variables such as age, landholding, risk orientation, adoption, family type, information source utilization, and attitude were significantly associated with knowledge. Educational level, experience, adoption, risk orientation, and knowledge significantly influenced farmers’ attitude. The regression model explained 60.9% of the variation in knowledge. The study highlights the need for targeted training and awareness strategies to improve technological adoption among horticultural farmers.