Abstract:
Mechanization is a process through which agricultural activities can be improved and
optimum crop production can be achieved. The objectives of this study were to
describe the selected socio-economic profile of the farmers, to determine the extent of
farmers’ knowledge, attitude and practice against agricultural mechanization, to
explore the correlation among each of selected characteristics of farmers and their
knowledge, attitude and practice towards agricultural mechanization. The study was
undertaken purposively in Babuganj upazilla under Barishal district. Validated and
well-structured interview schedule was used to collect data. The statistical measures
such as range, means, standard deviation, number and percentage distribution were
used to describe the selected variables. Pearson’s Product Moment Coefficient of
Correlation (r) was used in order to explore the relationships between the concerned
variables. The findings of the study showed that 86.8% of the farmers had poor to
moderate knowledge, 63.21% of them had low favorable attitude and 77.4% had
medium level of practice of agricultural mechanization. The findings also implies that
the educational qualification, farm size, annual family income, area under agricultural
mechanization, training received on agricultural mechanization, agricultural extension
media contact, agricultural machinery using experience had significant relationship
with their knowledge, attitude and practice towards agricultural mechanization.
Bangladesh agriculture is currently facing several challenges like ageing farmers,
feminization of agriculture, farm labor shortage, shrinking land, degradation of
natural resources, soaring prices, and vulnerability to climate change, etc. To face
these problems there is no other better option than practicing agricultural
mechanization. It is concluded that adequate technical support, cooperative farming
system, credit availability, extension media contact, training facilities need to be
extended to enhance farmers’ knowledge, attitude and practice towards agricultural
mechanization.
Description:
A Thesis
Submitted to the Faculty of Agriculture,
Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka
In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of
MASTER OF SCIENCE
IN
AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION
SEMESTER: JULY-DECEMBER, 2018