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The study's main purpose was to identify and describe the roles played by various information sources and communication channels used by Sehore farmers in the adoption of four improved agricultural practices in U.P. District of India. A sample of randomly picked 200 farmers was interviewed by questionnaire. Of the five information sources studied, neighbors were named by all respondents, village level workers by 72%, village chairmen by 26%, and agricultural and university personnel by 20% and 17% respectively. Among the seven means of communication, film demonstrations led by 50%, followed by radio with 38%, audiovisual aids, general meetings, and reading materials. Five adoption stages were recognized: awareness, interest, evaluation, trial, and decision to adopt. Age, education, caste and economic status were discriminating factors, singly or in combination, in the use of all sources except neighbors and village local workers. One major finding was that face to face contacts between agents and farmers had the greatest influence, and mass media the least influence on the adoption. (PT)

A study was made of information sources and channels whereby new ideas about improved farming methods are communicated to farmers. Questionnaire interviews were held with 200 farmers in Madhya Pradesh, India. Of the five information sources studied, neighbors were named by all respondents, village level workers by 72%, chairmen of village panchayats by 26%, and agricultural and university extension personnel by 20% and 17%, respectively. Among seven means of communication, demonstrations led with 50%, followed by radio (38%), audiovisual aids (posters, films, exhibits), general meetings, and reading materials. Age, education, caste, and economic status were discriminating factors, singly or in combination, in the use of all sources except neighbors and village local workers. One major finding was that face-to-face contacts between extension agents and farmers had the greatest influence, and mass media the least influence on adoption. (author/ly)

Reproduced from Jista'', Journal of the Indian Scientific Translators Association, v1 n1 Mar 1972. (VM)

Survey shows that even educated persons in India are not aware of role of adult education, and that they tend to associate adult education programs with rural populations. (DS)