Assessment of Information Transfer and Farming Practices Constraints in Gajapati and Rayagada, Odisha

Abstract

Timely transfer of agricultural information and alleviation of farm-level bottlenecks are vital for enhancing productivity in tribal rainfed regions; however, the comparative severity of these constraints remained inadequately quantified. The present study was undertaken in 2026 to assess and prioritise the constraints of information transfer and farming practices as perceived by farmers of Gajapati and Rayagada districts of Odisha. A total of 240 farmers were selected through multi-stage sampling covering eight blocks, and data were collected with a pre-tested structured interview schedule comprising eight statements under each constraint category. The responses were analysed using the Rank-Based Quotient technique. Insufficient knowledge about modern cultivation techniques (85.62%) and lack of conviction in new technology (78.49%) emerged as the most severe information transfer constraints, while non-availability of credit facilities (85.26%) and dependence on monsoon (80.31%) ranked foremost among farming practices constraints; limited literacy (28.28%) and high cost of labour (26.35%) were perceived as least severe. The study established that cognitive and financial bottlenecks principally restricted agricultural advancement and suggested skill-oriented extension approaches together with strengthened institutional credit and irrigation support as priority interventions for tribal farming communities.