Difference in Knowledge About Paddy Cultivation Among Trained And Untrained Respondents According to Their Different Categories of Personal And Socio-Economic Characteristics

The study analyzed the difference in knowledge regarding paddy cultivation among trained and untrained respondents across various personal and socio-economic categories. Among trained respondents, age showed minimal influence, except in knowledge of manures and fertilizers, while caste differences revealed that Scheduled Caste respondents possessed comparatively less knowledge due to weaker economic conditions and smaller landholdings. Education significantly influenced knowledge, with respondents educated up to Intermediate and above demonstrating higher awareness, especially in production technology, fertilizers, and post-harvest practices. Economic status also played a role, particularly in the adoption of improved implements. Training programmes, especially those conducted by KVK, effectively minimized knowledge gaps, except in practices requiring financial resources. In contrast, untrained respondents exhibited wider disparities, where older age groups had higher knowledge than younger ones. Caste and education differences were significant, with educated respondents showing superior understanding. Overall, training emerged as a key factor in bridging knowledge disparities across socio-economic categories.