KNOWLEDGE OF VERMICOMPOST TECHNOLOGY AMONG THE TRIBAL BENEFICIARIES OF NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL INNOVATION PROJECT UNDER COMPONENT- III IN BANASKANTHA DISTRICT, GUJARAT

Abstract

Vermicomposting is the term given to the process of conversion of biodegradable matter by earthworms into vermicast. In the process, the nutrients contained in the organic matter are partly converted to bioavailable forms. The hormones and enzymes are believed to stimulate plant growth and discourage plant pathogens. Further the objectives for the study 1. To Measure the knowledge level about the package of practices of vermicompost of the tribal beneficiaries of NAIP –III. 2. To assess the association between the personal, social, economic, communication and situational attributes of the tribal beneficiaries and their level of the knowledge about the vermicompost practices. The present study was undertaken in one district viz., Bansakantha, of North Gujarat state. The district was purposively selected for the study being the more number of vermicompost making framers under NAIP-III. For selection of taluka, villages and respondents, three stage random sampling technique with purposive selection  was employed. All beneficiaries' farmers of vermicompost farmers were selected from each village. A total of 120 vermicompost farmers were selected from 6 villages of 2 talukas. Thus final sample constituted of 120 farmers. Majority (71.67 per cent) of the respondents were having medium level of knowledge followed by 15.83 per cent of them had low level of knowledge and 12.50 per cent of the respondents had high level of knowledge.