Title: A SCALE TO MEASURE UTILITY PERCEPTION OF THE FARMERS TOWARDS INTEGRATED FARMING SYSTEM

Authors: P. N. Radadiya, J. K. Patel and S. A. Sipai

Publisher: The President, Society of Extension Education Gujarat

Keywords: integrated farming system, utility perception, scale product method, reliability, validity

Volume: 40

Issue: 1

Year: December 2025

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56572/gjoee.2025.40.1.0010

Abstract: In India, the farmers with small or marginal landholdings encounter significant obstacles including minimal earnings, reduced yield levels, restricted exposure to modern technologies and substantial risks in production. By combining crop farming with complementary agricultural components such as livestock, poultry, apiculture, floriculture, fisheries and horticulture, the Integrated Farming System (IFS) provides a comprehensive solution aimed at improving income stability, boosting overall productivity and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. To scientifically measure the utility perception of farmers towards IFS, a scale was developed using the Scale Product Method, which integrates the strengths of both Thurstone's Equal-Appearing Interval Method and Likert's Summated Rating Technique. An initial pool of 38 statements was generated through a literature review and expert consultation. After refinement, 28 non-ambiguous statements were rated by 50 judges on a five-point continuum. Based on the median (S value) and interquartile range (Q value) 20 statements comprising 13 positive and 7 negative statements were selected for the final scale. The reliability of the scale was assessed using the split-half method and Rulon's formula, resulting in a high reliability coefficient of 0.814 indicating that it is reliable and valid.