Knowledge level of recommended sericulture cultivation practices among farmers in Northern Karnataka

This study investigated the knowledge level of recommended sericulture cultivation practices among farmers in Vijayapura and Bagalkote districts of Northern Karnataka, India. Employing an ex-post facto research design, a sample of 120 sericulture farmers was selected from 12 villages across the two districts. The data was collected through personal interviews using a pre-tested schedule and analyzed using frequency, percentages and statistical measures like mean and standard deviation. The findings revealed a varied knowledge level among farmers. In Vijayapura, 35.00 percent of farmers exhibited low knowledge followed by 36.67 percent medium knowledge, and 28.33 percent of them had high knowledge. In Bagalkote, one third of the farmers had low knowledge, followed by 25.00 percent medium knowledge, and 41.67 percent had high knowledge. Overall, more than one third (34.17%) of farmers demonstrated low knowledge, 30.83 percent medium knowledge and 35.00 percent of them had high knowledge regarding recommended sericulture practices. The farmers in Bagalkote generally showed higher knowledge levels compared to those in Vijayapura, particularly in areas like pest control and basic rearing. However, significant knowledge gaps were observed in technical aspects such as soil pH, Chawki rearing and fertilizer dosage across both districts. The study underscores the need for targeted extension programmes, improved information dissemination and enhanced extension contact to bridge these knowledge gaps and promote the adoption of modern sericulture practices.