Adoption of maize production and marketing technologies in Mandalgarh block of Bhilwara District, Rajasthan

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the knowledge level, adoption behavior, and marketing awareness of maize growers regarding improved production technologies in the Mandalgarh block of Bhilwara district, Rajasthan. A total of 90 respondents were selected through a multistage sampling technique. The study focused on 14 critical aspects of maize cultivation including field preparation, seed treatment, improved varieties, sowing time, spacing, nutrient and water management, weed control, pest and disease management, harvesting, storage, and marketing strategies. The results revealed that the overall knowledge level of respondents regarding maize production technology was 74.45%, indicating a moderately high awareness. Farmers showed the highest familiarity with nutrient management (90%), sowing time (88.89%), and field preparation (85.56%), reflecting effective dissemination of foundational agronomic practices. However, knowledge regarding pest and disease control remained comparatively low at 60% and 58.33%, respectively, suggesting the need for targeted training in these domains. Adoption analysis across 13 improved production practices revealed an average adoption level of 75.21% with a standard deviation of 8.92, highlighting moderate variation among farmers. Practices such as field preparation (92.22%), sowing time (90%), and irrigation (87.78%) were widely adopted, while adoption of seed treatment (62.22%), improved varieties (64.44%), and plant protection (67.78%) remained limited. Regarding marketing awareness, 80% of respondents were aware of current maize prices, 73.33% had knowledge of market trends, and 66.67% could identify their local markets. These findings underscore the importance of strengthening extension services, particularly in the areas of plant protection and post-harvest management, and improving market linkages to enhance maize productivity and farmer income. Focused interventions addressing these gaps could lead to more informed decision-making and sustainable agricultural development.