Knowledge Level and Extent of Adoption of Scientific Fish Farming Practices among Members of Fish Farmers Producer Organizations

Background: The study focuses on understanding the factors that influence the knowledge level and adoption of scientific fish farming practices by the members of Fish Farmers Producer Organizations (FFPOs) because they play a crucial role in the fish farming sector and have the potential to drive the adoption of scientific practices. Methods: The research was conducted in Purba Medinipur District, West Bengal, in 2023. From four FFPOs, total 120 respondents were chosen as sample using simple random sampling. Primary data were collected through pretested structured interview schedule. Knowledge index and adoption quotient were measured to categorize the responses of the respondents. Stepwise liner regression is done for a definite conclusion. Result: The study found that most respondents were middle-aged (68.33%), with educational attainment up to the secondary level (31.66%) and had moderate farming experience (55%). Approximately 40% of the respondents reported high utilization of information sources and highest portion attended three to four training sessions (45.83%). Regarding the level of knowledge in recommended scientific fish farming, 38.33% of the respondents fell into the medium category, followed by 34.17% who possessed a high level of knowledge. Regarding the extent of adoption of fish farming practices, 36.67% respondents reported a medium level of adoption, followed by a high level (32.5%). Furthermore, the study found that utilization of information sources (t = 4.595), risk orientation (t = 3.165) and training attended (t = 2.606) were the strongest positive predictors of respondents’ knowledge levels (1% sig. level). Regarding the extent of adoption, the source of information utilization (t = 9.203), scientific orientation (t = 4.861) and education (t = 3.085) were the strongest positive predictors (1% sig. level).