Effectiveness of Training on Integrated Farming Systems on Knowledge Gain and Choice of Crop-Animal Technology among Tribal Farmers in Telangana Stat

Abstract

Rainfed agriculture occupies 60 per cent of cultivable area contributing to 40 per cent to food basket. The training curriculum in for dryland region, deals with various efficient tools, techniques and methods of soil and water conservation with major emphasis on rain water management techniques such as in-situ conservation practices, micro irrigation systems and efficient Integrated farming systems for livelihood development. A Study conducted to assess the effectiveness and impact of training on the tribal farmers on knowledge gain based on pre and post evaluation scores and factors contributing to knowledge gain using factor analysis. It was found that many subject areas such as NRM management, soil health management practices, agro techniques, pests and diseases management, dryland horticulture have enhanced knowledge. Factors affecting knowledge gain were also determined using factor analysis and found that only practices related to soil and water conservation, animal health and livelihood have contributed to the major change in knowledge. It is clear from above study that training of tribal farmers, owning land and cattle, the uptake of knowledge remain higher with integration of both crop and animal technologies in the training curriculum and increasing economy of tribal farmers under changing climate conditions.