Utility of Integrated Farming Systems: A Perception Study from Kuttanad

Abstract

This paper outlines the perception of farmer’s regarding the Integrated Farming Systems of Kuttanad, Kerala along with their sociopsychological and economic characteristics like age,family size, level of aspiration and product diversification. The study was carried out in the region called Kuttanad that lies in selected parts of the three district of the state of Kerala namely, Alappuzha, Kottayam and Pathanamthitta. This region is identified as a potent agricultural area that lies below mean sea level. The above listed socio- psychological and economic characteristics were also studied with suitable scales. Quartile analysis along with frequency, percentage analysis, ANOVA and correlation were the statistical tools used for the study. The study however identifies medium level of perception regarding utility of farming system among majority of both marginal and small farmers.