Socio-Economic Status of Farmers and Their Perception About Technology Adoption: A Case Study

Abstract

Adoption of new farm technology is very crucial for agricultural productivity and development. Farmers’ perception of new agricultural technology influences their decision to adopt the same. The main aim of this study is to examine the socio-economic status of farmers and their perception about technology adoption using a case study of Udham Singh Nagar district of Uttarakhand. The study is based on personal interview and group discussion with sample farmers of the district. The study finds that marginal and small farmers are reluctant to use new technology because it increases the cost of production, whereas relatively large farmers believe that technologies are good to them in terms of high yield, less pests and more benefit. The study suggests that there is a need of government assistance to promote the participation of farmers, particularly female ones in agricultural training and workshop.

Keywords: Technology adoption, socio-economic status, farmers, productivity, agriculture

JEL Classification: Q16, Q18, Q19