RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PROFILE OF THE FARMERS OF BHALREGION AND THEIR KNOWLEDGE ABOUT SOIL RECLAMATION PRACTICES

This study explores the relationship between the profile of farmers in the Bhal region and their knowledge of problematic soil reclamation practices. Using simple random sampling, data were collected from 160 farmers across selected talukas in Ahmedabad and Botad districts. The research employed an ex-post-facto design to examine the influence of various factors on farmers knowledge of soil reclamation practices. The findings reveal that the majority (70.00%) of respondents had average knowledge about problematic soil reclamation practices, followed by 17.50 per cent with above-average knowledge, 10.62 per cent with below-average knowledge and 1.88 per cent with low knowledge. Notably, none of the respondents had high knowledge about problematic soil reclamation practices. Out of all the variables analysed, scientific orientation, innovation proneness and the adoption of problematic soil reclamation practices had a positive and significant influence on knowledge about soil reclamation practices. Conversely, all other variables did not significantly impact knowledge. These findings provide valuable insights for designing targeted interventions to enhance farmers’ knowledge and adoption of soil reclamation practices in the Bhal region.