Title: ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE OF FARMERS REGARDING BANANA WASTE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

Authors: Muskan Rana, Hemlata Saini and Netravathi G.

Publisher: The President, Society of Extension Education Gujarat

Keywords: banana waste management, extension participation, economic motivation, sustainable development

Volume: 41

Issue: 1

Year: June 2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56572/gjoee.2026.41.1.0024

Abstract: Banana (Musa spp.) cultivation generates a substantial quantity of biomass waste, creating significant environmental and management challenges, particularly in India, the world's largest banana-producing country. The present study assessed the knowledge level of banana farmers regarding scientifically recommended banana waste management practices in Vadodara district of Gujarat. An ex-post facto research design was employed, and 120 banana growers were selected through simple random sampling from three talukas and twelve villages. The findings revealed that two-thirds (63%) of the respondents possessed medium to low level of knowledge regarding banana waste management practices. It is indicated that economic motivation, annual income, innovativeness, education, and material possession were positively and significantly associated with the knowledge level of the respondents. The study further highlighted major gaps in extension support and capacity-building initiatives, as none of the respondents had received formal training on banana waste management and 97.50 per cent reported negligible participation in extension activities related to banana waste management. Furthermore, knowledge regarding advanced waste utilization technologies, such as fibre extraction, biochar production, and preparation of organic inputs, was found to be inadequate among the respondents. The findings emphasize the need for targeted extension programmes, training interventions, and awareness campaigns to enhance farmers' knowledge and promote sustainable banana waste management practices.