Perceptual and Motivational Factors Affecting the Practice of Organic Farming

Abstract

The present study is an attempt to know the perceptual and motivational factors affecting the organic paddyfarmers registered under the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) scheme in Kamrup district, Assam.For the study, 50 suchorganic farmers were selected randomly out of a total population of 519. The socio-economic characteristics of the respondents were analysed using frequencies and percentages. Five-point Likert scale was used to know the perceptual and motivational factors affecting their farming practice. The responses were analysed through median values and Mann-Whitney U test. The respondents were found to have positive perception regarding organic farming, with its effect on soil fertility and health drawing the most favourable responses. Family health, soil sustainabilityand self-reliance for inputs were found to be the most important factors motivating the practice of organic farming. Small and medium farmers showed significant difference in perception towards stabilization of yield and pollution of air, water and soil under organic farming. No significant difference was observed between small and medium farmers regardingthe motivational factors affecting their practice of organic farming.