Title: KNOWLEDGE OF ORGANIC FARMING AMONG TRIBAL FARMERS AND ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH THEIR SOCIO-ECONOMIC PROFILE

Authors: M. V. Chaudhari, Mahaveer Choudhary and K. L. Chaudhary

Publisher: The President, Society of Extension Education Gujarat

Keywords: organic farming, tribal farmers, knowledge level, socio-economic factors, sustainable development

Volume: 41

Issue: 2

Year: June 2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56572/gjoee.2026.41.2.0015

Abstract: Organic farming is increasingly recognized as a cornerstone of sustainable agriculture, yet its adoption among tribal farmers depends largely on their level of knowledge. This study, conducted in The Dangs district of South Gujarat, assessed tribal farmers' knowledge of organic farming and examined its relationship with socio-economic and demographic characteristics. Using an ex-post-facto research design, a sample of 120 farmers was selected through simple random sampling across three talukas viz. Ahwa, Subir and Waghai. Data were collected through a structured, pre-tested interview schedule and analysed using frequency, percentage, mean score, standard deviation and correlation coefficient. Results revealed that 20.83 per cent of farmers had high knowledge, 67.50 per cent medium and 11.67 per cent low knowledge level of organic farming. Age, education, annual income, landholding, mass media exposure, organic farming experience, social participation, scientific orientation and innovativeness showed statistically significant positive correlations with knowledge level, while family size and livestock possession were non-significant. The findings underscore the importance of strengthening extension services, training-based capacity building and community-centered learning platforms to enhance scientific orientation and innovation among tribal farmers. Such measures will accelerate the adoption of organic practices and contribute to sustainable rural development in tribal regions.