Title: FARMERS PERCEPTION AND ASSOCIATION BETWEEN THE PROFILE OF FARMERS ABOUT DIGGI BASED FARMING SYSTEM

Authors: Yashwant Singh Rathore and Manmeet Kaur

Publisher: The President, Society of Extension Education Gujarat

Keywords: diggi-based farming, Indira Gandhi Nahar Pariyojana, micro-irrigation, regression analysis

Volume: 39

Issue: 1

Year: June 2025

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56572/gjoee.2025.39.1.0030

Abstract: Agriculture in arid regions like Rajasthan faces significant challenges due to water scarcity and erratic rainfall. The Indira Gandhi Nahar Pariyojana (IGNP) canal system has transformed desert lands into productive areas, but unreliable water supply hinders optimal crop production. To address this, farmers in the IGNP command area have adopted diggi-based farming systems-micro-farm water storage structures that store canal water for timely irrigation. Despite its benefits, adoption depends on farmers' perceptions, socio-economic conditions, and awareness of micro-irrigation practices. This study evaluated farmers' perceptions about diggi-based farming systems in Agro-climatic Zone-IC of Rajasthan, focusing on socio-economic characteristics, adoption levels, and constraints. The study employed an ex-post-facto research design, selecting Bikaner district due to its high number of constructed diggi under government schemes. A sample of 180 farmers (90 beneficiaries and 90 non-beneficiaries) was selected using proportionate random sampling. Data were analyzed using statistical tools like frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, correlation, and regression analysis. Results revealed that 62.22% of beneficiary farmers had a medium level of perception, while 32.22% had a high perception. Non-beneficiaries showed lower perception levels (54.44% medium, 6.67% high). Beneficiaries ranked "advantages of diggi-based farming" highest (75.46 MPS), while non-beneficiaries prioritized "general information" (60.64 MPS). Significant associations were found between perception and variables like education, land holding, annual income, extension agency contact, economic motivation, and innovativeness (p < 0.05). Regression analysis indicated these variables explained 70% of the variation in perception. The study concludes that beneficiary farmers exhibit higher perception levels due to direct benefits and extension activities. Policymakers should focus on enhancing technical know-how and awareness to promote sustainable water management practices in arid regions.