Dry Land Technology: Factors and Adoption

Dry farming is practised in a very large area in India. Research institutes have developed improved dry land technologies in order to increase yield of dry land crops. A widespread adoption of these improved dry land technologies by the farmers is vital for development of the economy of the country. With this in view, a study of adoption of improved dry land technology by the farmers was undertaken. The data pertaining to this study were collected from 240 farmers in a Community Development Block of the Jodhpur District in Rajasthan. The study discusses: (a) social, economic and psychological characteristics of the farmers, (b) Sources of communication of the farmers for improved dry land technology, (c) the level of knowledge and adoption of improved dry land technology, (d) opinion of the farmers about supply of agricultural inputs and (e) problems in adoption in improved dry land technology. It also discusses the traditional dry land technology. An effective system for increasing the knowledge of the farmers about improved dry land technology has been discussed in detail. This is based on author’s long practical experience in this field. This study will be useful to the policymakers, administrators and extension workers in accelerating the adoption process of improved dry land technology among the farmers.