Farmers’ Awareness and Perception of Sustainable Agricultural Practices: A Case of Integrated Livestock–Fish Farming System in the State of Assam, India

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to assess the farmer’s comprehension of a sustainable agricultural practice: integrated livestock–fish farming system. The study is exploratory and descriptive in nature. Awareness on technical, economic, and environmental aspects of the farming system has been assessed on both fish and livestock farmers. Awareness was measured in a dichotomous variable seeking “true” or “false” to various statements under each required aspects of the farming system. Perception was measured using a pretested standardized scale. The awareness and perception of the farmers were found to be positive and relationship between awareness and perception was found to be significant. The farmers are found to be mostly aware of the economic aspects and believed that the particular farming system could be a great avenue for self-employment. Age, education, experience, pond holdings, and extension contact were found to be significant determinants of farmer’s awareness and perception. The assessment of the farmer’s awareness and perception toward the system does not only aid in dissemination of the particular system but also ensures sustainable usages of farm waste for optimum production by making ecological considerations.