RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PROFILE OF THE FARMERS OF BHALREGION AND THEIR ADOPTION OF PROBLEMATIC SOIL RECLAMATION PRACTICES

This study investigates the relationship between the profile of farmers of Bhal region and their adoption of problematic soil reclamation practices. Using a simple random sampling method, data were collected from 160 farmers across selected talukas in Ahmedabad and Botad districts. The research employed an ex-post-facto design to analyze the impact of various factors on adoption practices. The results indicate that the majority of respondents were older, had primary education and possessed 11 to 20 years of farming experience. They belonged to joint families, held medium-sized land holdings and reported poor irrigation facilities. Extension participation was very low, while social media exposure was moderate. Respondents exhibited high scientific orientation, average knowledge of soil reclamation practices and a highly favorable attitude towards Soil Health Card (SHC). Additionally, high levels of risk orientation and innovation proneness were observed. Of the sixteen independent variables analyzed, only irrigation facility/status, extension participation, scientific orientation, knowledge about soil reclamation practices and risk orientation had a positive and significant influence on the adoption of reclamation practices. Conversely, all other variables did not significantly impact adoption. These findings provide valuable insights for designing targeted interventions to enhance the adoption of soil reclamation practices among farmers in the Bhal region.