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Research Article

Assessment of Farmers’ Knowledge on Nutrition and Nutrition-Sensitive Agriculture

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P N Fatheen Abrar — Research Scholar, , Division of Agricultural Extension, ICAR-IARI, New Delhi-110012, India
Satyapriya — Principal Scientist, Division of Agricultural Extension, ICAR-IARI, New Delhi-110012, India
Sukanya Barua — Scientist, Division of Agricultural Extension, ICAR-IARI, New Delhi-110012, India
Girijesh Singh Mahra — Senior Scientist, Division of Agricultural Extension, ICAR-IARI, New Delhi-110012, India
Sitaram Bishnoi — Scientist, Division of Agricultural Extension, ICAR-IARI, New Delhi-110012, India
Mrinmoy Ray — Scientist, Division of Forecasting and Agricultural Systems Modelling, ICAR-IASRI, New Delhi-110012, India
Shakeel Ahmad Khan — Principal Scientist, Division of Environment Science, ICAR-IARI, New Delhi-110012, India
Surjya Kanta Roy — Scientist, ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Kolkata-700097, West Bengal, India
Amandeep Ranjan — Assistant Professor cum Junior Scientist, Department of Agricultural Extension Education, Birsa Agricultural University, Kanke, Ranchi-834006, Jharkhand, India
Rajat Kumar Nath — Research Scholar, Division of Agricultural Extension, ICAR-IARI, New Delhi-110012, India
Published 27 Dec 2025 Vol. 62 No. 1 (2026), pp. 92-98 ● Open access
❝ How to cite 🔗 https://doi.org/10.48165/IJEE.2026.62115
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Abstract

Nutritional knowledge plays a vital role in shaping the dietary behaviour of individuals and communities. This study assessed farmers’ knowledge of nutrition and nutrition sensitive agriculture (NSA) in the southern Indian states of Kerala and Karnataka during 2024-25. A standardized knowledge test comprising 26 statements was developed and administered to a sample of 300 respondents. Statistical analyses, including Welch’s t test, Welch’s ANOVA, and the Games-Howell post-hoc test, were used to compare knowledge scores across states and districts. In addition, regression analysis was employed to examine the relationship between farmers’ knowledge and socio-economic characteristics. State- and district-level comparisons indicated that farmers from Kerala had higher knowledge levels than those from Karnataka. Regression analysis revealed that factors such as education, gender, age, source of information, number of trainings attended, and family size significantly influenced farmers’ knowledge. These disparities underscore the necessity of awareness campaigns and capacity-building programs on nutrition and NSA, particularly through educational institutions, rural organizations, and mass media platforms. 

 

 

KeywordsNutritional knowledgeNutrition-sensitive agricultureWelch’s t testRegression analysisSocio-economic characteristics

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