Disconnect between Academic Research and Farmer Needs in Indian Agricultural Systems: A Comparative Study

Bhartendu Yadav; Abhilash Singh Maurya; Atin Kumar; Rajesh Kumar Kanojia; Kaushlesh Kumar Singh

doi:10.48165/IJEE.2026.62427

Authors

Bhartendu Yadav
Abhilash Singh Maurya Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Raebareli-II (Palti Khera)
Atin Kumar
Rajesh Kumar Kanojia
Kaushlesh Kumar Singh

https://doi.org/10.48165/IJEE.2026.62427

Keywords:

Technology, Gap, Adoption, Extension, Sensitivity, Research

Abstract

The study was conducted in 2024-25 to assess the gap between agricultural research and farmers’ needs and to compare the factors influencing technology adoption in Punjab and Uttar Pradesh. A convergent parallel mixed-methods design was adopted, and 384 farmers were selected from Ludhiana and Bathinda in Punjab and Varanasi and Azamgarh in Uttar Pradesh using multistage stratified random sampling. Primary data were collected through structured interviews, focus group discussions, and personal interviews and were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, chi-square, correlation, and regression analysis. The study found that the farmers in Punjab showed higher awareness of recent agricultural research, greater extension contact, and higher adoption of improved technologies than farmers in eastern Uttar Pradesh. Regression analysis indicated that research awareness, extension contacts, irrigation access, farm size, and education significantly influenced technology adoption, with research awareness showing the strongest effect. The findings indicated that the research–farmer gap was associated with unequal access to knowledge, extension services, infrastructure, and resources. The study highlighted the need for participatory, region-specific, and farmer-centric agricultural research and stronger extension linkages.

Author Biographies

Bhartendu Yadav

Assistant Professor, School of Agriculture, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara-144411 (Punjab) India
Atin Kumar

Assistant Professor, School of Agriculture, Uttaranchal University, Dehradun, U.K., India
Rajesh Kumar Kanojia

Scientist (Agronomy), Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Dariyapur, Raebareli-229405 (Uttar Pradesh) India
Kaushlesh Kumar Singh

Senior Scientist & Head, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Dariyapur, Raebareli-229405 (Uttar Pradesh) India

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