Factors affecting adoption of innovations by dairy producers in India.

Abstract

A study was conducted in Bangalore rural district of Karnataka, India with the objective to analyze the various factors affecting adoption of innovations by dairy farmers as well as their relation with the rate of adoption. Primary data were collected from 180 farmers using random sampling method. A semi structured interview schedule was used to collect the data, by personal interviews. Herd size, occupation, and social participation are positively correlated with the adoption; family education level of the respondent is highly positively correlated with adoption, whereas farm size is negatively correlated. The results show that the majority of livestock owners had a medium level of adoption behavior with respect to dairy farming innovations. Information, farmer to farmer communication, farmer-researcher communication, farmer-extension agent communication, availability of inputs and overall knowledge level about dairy technologies have a positive and highly significant relationship with the overall adoption of dairy innovations by livestock owners. The communication among farmers, scientists, extension agents and other stakeholders has to be strengthened, for favoring a faster adoption of appropriate technologies.