Adoption of vermicompost practices among the tribal beneficiaries of NAIP-III

Abstract

Vermicomposting is the term given to the process of conversion of biodegradable matter by earthworms into vermicast. Vermicompost supplies a suitable mineral balance, improves nutrient availability, and could act as a complex fertilizer. Vermicompost may also bring about a greater decrease in bioavailable heavy metals than the composting process, and there is evidence that the final product may contain hormone-like compounds that accelerate plant growth. This study was undertaken in one district, viz., Banaskantha, of North Gujarat state. The district was purposively selected for the study because it had a greater number of vermicompost-making farmers under NAIP-III. For the selection of talukas, villages, and respondents, a three-stage random sampling technique with purposive selection was employed. All beneficiary farmers involved in vermicomposting were selected from each village. A total of 120 vermicompost farmers were selected from 6 villages of 2 talukas. Thus, the final sample consisted of 120 farmers. The majority (57.5 per cent) of the respondents had a medium level of adoption. About 21.67 per cent of the respondents fell under the category of low level of adoption, while 20.83 per cent of the respondents were found to have a high level of adoption.