Assessing farmers’ knowledge level and adoption behavior on improved ginger (Zingiber officinale rosc.) cultivation: Evidence from Nagaland, northeastern region (NER), India

AbstractAdoption of advance scientific technologies in agriculture-based livelihood activities has direct influence to maintain sustainable livelihood, and ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.)-based livelihood is not an exception. Adoption of technology or innovation is depended on the individual’s knowledge and perception about the technology or innovation. This research aimed to investigate the knowledge level of ginger growers on recommended cultivation practices and the level of adoption of technologies in ginger cultivation. Accordingly, present study was conducted in two districts, namely, Mon and Zunheboto of Nagaland, India. The study employed a purposive sampling method and descriptive research design. A total of 270 ginger growers were included in the study, and data were collected through direct interview by using structured interviews schedule. Statistical tools, namely, frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation and correlation were used to develop indices (Knowledge Index and Adoption Index) and to bring the valid conclusions. The results indicated that the respondents had possessed an average knowledge index of 51.19 per cent with a range of 44.26 - 54.09 per cent. They had a mean adoption index of 26.92 per cent with a range of 22.95 – 33.60 per cent. Further, various socio-economic factors, namely, age, Annual income, Income from ginger cultivation, Training and Extension contact had established a positively significant relationship with knowledge and adoption indices. It can be recommended that the ginger growers had a less adoption of recommended technologies in ginger cultivation and concerned authorities may take the initiative to up-scale the level of adoption of technologies.