Effect of Soybean Digital Farmer Field School on Knowledge Levels of Respondents in Maharashtra.

Kaustubh  Kadam; Milind Ahire; Manohar  Dhadwad; Anjali Dahatonde

doi:10.48165/IJEE.2026.62105

Authors

Kaustubh.R.Kadam Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth Rahuri https://orcid.org/0009-0002-9675-5821
Milind.C.Ahire Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth Rahuri
Manohar.B.Dhadwad Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth Rahuri
Anjali.S.Dahatonde Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth Rahuri

https://doi.org/10.48165/IJEE.2026.62105

Keywords:

Digital farmer field school, Knowledge level , Soybean SOP's, Socio-economic factors, Techno-savviness

Abstract

The study was conducted in 2023-2024 to assess the knowledge level of participant and non-participant farmers regarding Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for soybean cultivation in Ahilyanagar district, Maharashtra. An ex-post-facto research design was used, covering 150 soybean growers (75 participants and 75 non-participants) selected from fifteen villages across three talukas through multistage sampling and were assessed on their knowledge level of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)for soybean cultivation. Results showed that 76% of participants had high knowledge versus 6.67% of non-participants. Significant differences across nine key soybean cultivation aspects were confirmed by Z-tests. Higher knowledge among participants may be attributed to live expert-led sessions and collaborative group learning, fostering practical skills and experience sharing. Regression analysis identified education, scientific orientation, and techno-savviness as key predictors, while traditional socio-economic factors were less influential in participants' knowledge score on SOPs for soybean cultivation. The study highlights DFFS’s potential to overcome traditional barriers, empowering farmers through enhancement in their knowledge about SOPs for soybean cultivation, ultimately promoting sustainable soybean cultivation and improved productivity.

Author Biographies

Kaustubh.R.Kadam, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth Rahuri

M.Sc. Scholar, Department of Agricultural Extension Education, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri-413 722, Maharashtra, India.
Milind.C.Ahire, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth Rahuri

Professor, Department of Agricultural Extension Education, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri-413 722, Maharashtra, India.
Manohar.B.Dhadwad, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth Rahuri

Assistant Professor, Department of Agricultural Extension Education, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri-413 722, Maharashtra, India.
Anjali.S.Dahatonde, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth Rahuri

M.Sc. Scholar, Department of Agricultural Extension Education, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri-413 722, Maharashtra, India.

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