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Type : Other Article

Ascertaining of Farmers' Perception Regarding Soil Quality Management Using Participatory Method

Narayan Chandra Sahu, Indrani Das and Biswajit Goswami

Abstract

A village level survey was conducted with the small and marginal farmers of three blocks namely Balurghat, Kumarganj and Tapan in Dakshin Dinajpur district of West Bengal to ascertain farmers’ perception regarding soil quality management by participatory mode. The outcome of the survey revealed the inadequate doses of organic matter application among small and marginal farmers were more common in Balurghat and Kumarganj blocks compared to Tapan block. When asked about the usefulness of organic matter in soil, 90 per cent of the farmers agreed upon the beneficial effects in soil. Regarding the advisory service, almost 49.3 per cent farmers of the three blocks received no advice while the rest of the portion (mostly small farmers of the blocks) gets advice from dealers and Krishi Prajukti Sahayaks. Interestingly the small farmers and some marginal farmers of Kumarganj and Balurghat blocks had some idea about the importance of soil testing but 63.2 per cent of the small and marginal farmers of Tapan block were totally ignorant about the importance of the same. Another important aspect, micronutrient application was neglected by the farmers in all the three blocks as they were ignorant about micronutrient use in crops. Regarding the use of fertilizer, broadcasting was usually practiced along with partially or decomposed organic matter application in open field. The farmers who got the advice from the KPS only, applied lime in soils. Some farmers experienced the nutrient deficiency symptom as reddening of crops. According to the farmers’ perception, gradual increase of inorganic fertilizer is inevitable in order to keep pace with the production. Keeping all these facts in view it may be concluded that awareness generation of farmers though extension activities is of vital importance for soil quality management by the small and marginal farmers of this district.

Keyword: Farmers ’ perception; Soil quality management; Participatory mode

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