Knowledge Level of Kewda Cultivation Farmers in Southern Odisha

Subhasmita Barik Subhasmita Barik; Chitrasena Padhy Chitrasena Padhy; G. Bhupal Raj G. Bhupal Raj; Plabita Ray Plabita Ray; Rabindra Kumar Raj  Rabindra Kumar Raj; Santanu Patro Santanu Patro; Akhila Badavath Akhila Badavath

doi:10.48165/IJEE.2026.62304

Authors

Subhasmita Barik Siksha O Anusandhan University
Chitrasena Padhy SR University https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5611-1338
G. Bhupal Raj SR University
Plabita Ray Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology
Rabindra Kumar Raj Siksha O Anusandhan University
Santanu Patro C.V. Raman Global University
Akhila Badavath Acharya N. G. Ranga Agricultural University

https://doi.org/10.48165/IJEE.2026.62304

Keywords:

Education, extension services, Kewda growers, knowledge, women empowerment

Abstract

T

The study was conducted in 2024 in Ganjam district of Odisha to assess the knowledge level of farmers regarding recommended Kewda cultivation practices using an ex post facto research design. Data were collected from 83 Kewda flower growers through a structured interview schedule, employing purposive and simple random sampling techniques. The results revealed that respondents demonstrated relatively higher knowledge of ecological conditions and traditional field-based practices. The findings further indicated that farmers were actively involved in planning, decision-making and adoption of innovative cultivation practices, while facing constraints in value addition and distillation activities. Correlation and regression analysis indicated that variables such as education, innovativeness, planning ability, and decision-making capacity had a positive and significant relationship with the knowledge level of respondents. The study concludes that although Kewda cultivation provides substantial livelihood opportunities in coastal Odisha, there is a need for targeted extension interventions, capacity-building programmes, and skill-oriented training, particularly in post-harvest and value addition practices, to enhance farmers’ knowledge and adoption of improved technologies.

Author Biographies

Subhasmita Barik, Siksha O Anusandhan University

Department of Agricultural Extension Education, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
Chitrasena Padhy, SR University

Department of Agricultural Extension Education, School of Agriculture, SR University, Warangal 506371, Telangana, India
G. Bhupal Raj, SR University

Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, School of Agriculture, SR University, Warangal 506371, Telangana, India
Plabita Ray, Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology

Department of Agronomy, KVK, Mayurbhanja-1, OUAT, Bhubaneswar
Rabindra Kumar Raj , Siksha O Anusandhan University

Department of Agricultural Extension Education, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
Santanu Patro, C.V. Raman Global University

C.V. Raman Global University, Bhubaneswar
Akhila Badavath, Acharya N. G. Ranga Agricultural University

Department of Agricultural Extension Education, Agricultural College, Bapatla, Acharya NG Ranga Agricultural University

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