Title: DETERMINANTS OF KNOWLEDGE LEVEL AMONG WATERMELON GROWERS ON SCIENTIFIC CULTIVATION TECHNOLOGY

Authors: Madhavi Pargi, M. A. Tunvar and V. C. Sanjay

Publisher: The President, Society of Extension Education Gujarat

Keywords: knowledge assessment, regression, correlation, scientific cultivation technology

Volume: 41

Issue: 1

Year: June 2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56572/gjoee.2026.41.1.0019

Abstract: Agriculture continues to be a key pillar of the Indian economy, with horticulture contributing significantly to farmers' income and nutritional security. Among horticultural crops, watermelon has gained importance due to its high market demand and short duration nature. Despite the increasing area and production of watermelon in states like Gujarat, especially in Banaskantha district, farmers often do not fully benefit from its potential. Previous studies have mainly focused on adoption and productivity aspects, while knowledge level and its determinants have received relatively less attention, though knowledge is a prerequisite for effective technology use. There is limited empirical evidence on the knowledge status of watermelon growers and the factors influencing it, which restricts the development of targeted extension strategies. The study was conducted in Banaskantha district of Gujarat using an ex-post facto research design. A total of 150 watermelon growers were selected through multistage sampling from three talukas. Data were collected through personal interviews using a structured schedule and analyzed using mean, percentage, standard deviation, correlation and stepwise regression. The results revealed that 65.33 per cent of the growers had medium knowledge, followed by 18.67 per cent low and 16.00 per cent high knowledge, with a mean score of 62.93. Farming experience, extension participation, land holding, area under cultivation and annual income showed positive and highly significant relationships at 1 per cent level, while education, social participation and source of information were significant at 5 per cent level. Stepwise regression indicated that four variables explained 29.40 per cent of the variation in knowledge. The findings are consistent with earlier studies reporting moderate knowledge levels among farmers and highlight the importance of experience and extension exposure in enhancing knowledge. The study suggests strengthening extension services, need-based training and improving access to information sources to enhance farmers' knowledge and promote scientific cultivation practices.