Knowledge Levels of Rice Farmers Regarding Mechanization: An Item-Wise Analysis in the North Coastal Zone of Andhra Pradesh, India

The present investigation aimed to study the knowledge level of rice farmers regarding various farm machinery and implements used in rice cultivation in the North Coastal Zone of Andhra Pradesh. The study was conducted in Srikakulam and Vizianagaram districts, purposively selected based on their large areas under rice cultivation. The study covered six mandals: Jalumuru, Nandigam, and Santhabommali from Srikakulam, and Bobbili, Gantyada, and Santhakaviti from Vizianagaram. Data were collected from 120 respondents using a pre-tested interview schedule. Statistical methods such as arithmetic mean, standard deviation, frequencies, and percentages were employed for analysis. The data collection focused on understanding the farmers' knowledge of different farm machinery and implements used in rice cultivation. The knowledge levels of the respondents were categorized into three groups: low, medium, and high using mean and standard deviation. An item-wise response analysis was carried out to assess the detailed knowledge on mechanization. The findings revealed that more than half (60.00%) of the respondents had a medium level of knowledge, while 20.83% had a high level, and 19.17% had a low level of knowledge on various machinery and implements. The respondents showed high knowledge about tools like the puddler, mould board plough, rotavator, harrow, combine harvester, and paddy drum seeder. The results imply that there is a need for targeted extension programs to enhance the knowledge of farmers, especially those with medium and low knowledge, regarding advanced farm machinery. Efforts should also focus on improving accessibility to affordable machinery and providing necessary training to facilitate broader adoption, which could lead to increased productivity in rice cultivation.