A Study on Land Use Pattern in Western Uttar Pradesh

Abstract

The present investigation entitled “Study on land use pattern in Western Uttar Pradesh” is done with the objectives of socio-economic profile of the farmers; Land use pattern followed by the farmers; Level of awareness and adoption of land use pattern; Relationship/association between socio economic profile and communication sources with the level of awareness and constraints faced by the farmers. The study was conducted in Meerut and Bulandshashar districts of Western Uttar Pradesh. From each district two blocks, from each block four villages and from each village 10 respondents were selected randomly. Thus the total sample size was of 160 respondents. The data were collected by personal interview through structured schedule and analysed using statistical techniques like percentage, mean score, standard deviation and correlation of coefficient. Results regarding socio-economic status revealed that the majority (53.10%) of the respondents were belonged to Upper middle age group ranged between 45 to 60 years, maximum (42.10%) were high school passed, majority (68.10%) belonged to nuclear family, maximum respondents (42.50%) were having medium family size of 5-8 members, highest number of the farmers (33.10%) were found in the small land holding category (1-2 ha), maximum (43.10%) respondents using private tube well for the irrigation, maximum 32.50% respondents’ annual income was above 2 lakhs, majority of the farmers (75.00%) were having scooter/motorcycle for transportation, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION AND COMMUNICATION S.V.P University of Agriculture and Technology Meerut- 250110 (U.P.) INDIA Name of student : KSHITIJ PARMAR Id. No : PG-3029/15 Admission : 2015-2016 Degree :Ph.D.(Ag.)Agricultural Extension and Communication Thesis title : “A STUDY ON LAND USE PATTERN IN WESTERN UTTAR PRADESH.” Advisor : Prof. D. K. Singh most of the respondents (98.75%) were using T.V. as mass media and most of the respondents (95.60%) getting information through progressive farmer/neighbours. Analysis of land use practices concluded that maximum respondents (86.25%) not changed their crops and crop rotation i.e. land use pattern, majority (75%) had medium cropping intensity, most of the farmers never followed the biological pest control whereas majority used chemical methods, majority followed pre-treatment of seeds (66.70%) and used farm yard manure (63.10%). Land leveller, drip irrigation and use of duster for plant protection were mostly ignored. Majority of respondents had medium awareness about soil management practices (52.50%) and water management practices (46.25%), majority of respondents had medium adoption about land management practices (50.0%) and vast majority (69.37%) adopted water management practices at medium level. The socio-economic variables viz. education, social participation, material possession and information sources had highly significant and positive correlation with extent of awareness and adoption of land use practices. The top ranked constraints reported by the farmers were unavailability of labour at peak season, poor confidence in adoption of new technology, unavailability of quality seed & chemical at the time of sowing, lack of knowledge about application of bio-pesticides and more interference of middleman in the marketing system. Some others were insufficient training, low market price, non-availability of credits and inputs, lack of coordination between scientists, extension workers and farmers. The investigation suggests that the marketing problems especially of small and medium farmers should be solved at top priority.