Knowledge and adoption level of improved dairy farming practices of SHG members and non-members in Kamrup district of Assam, India

Dairy farming is one of the important activities undertaken by Self Help Groups (SHGs). The present study was undertaken in Kamrup district (Metro and Rural) of Assam to find out the socio-economic and communication profile SHG members and non-members, to appraise and compare the knowledge and adoption level of improved dairy farming practices (IDFPs) of the members and non-members and to delineate the factors affecting the knowledge and adoption level of IDFPs. From 20 randomly selected SHGs, 100 members were selected randomly and 100 non-members also selected randomly were included for the study. Most of the members were young while non-members were middle aged. Dairy SHGs in the districts were dominated by the male farmers. Both members and non-members were marginal farmers. Members’ knowledge and adoption level of IDFPs were found to be medium while non-members were in low knowledge and adoption category. Occupation, community relation and extension contact contributed positively and significantly to the knowledge gain and adoption of IDFPs. SHG programme improved socio-economic status of the members and positively influenced in knowledge gain and adoption of technologies in the farms.