Rajmani, Sunil Kumar, Bhanu Pratap Singh, Jagatpal, Manoj Kumar, Mustfa Hussain, Shailendra Kumar Singh
Abstract
Agricultural decision-making is largely influenced by the availability, accessibility, and perceived usefulness of information, which plays a crucial role in improving productivity, managing risks, and ensuring ecological sustainability. In the present study, an attempt has been made to analyse the information-seeking behaviour and perceived usefulness of different agricultural information sources among farmers of Basti and Ayodhya districts of eastern Uttar Pradesh. The study was conducted using an ex-post facto research design. A total of 200 farmers were selected through a multistage random sampling technique from ten villages of the two districts. Primary data were collected through a structured and pre-tested interview schedule. The findings revealed that interpersonal sources such as family members, fellow farmers, neighbours, local leaders, and private input dealers were perceived as the most useful sources of agricultural information by the majority of respondents. Institutional sources including Krishi Vigyan Kendras, agricultural universities, Kisan Call Centres, and government extension personnel were moderately utilised. Among mass media and ICT tools, mobile phones, television, and radio emerged as important sources, particularly for weather forecasts, pest and disease management, and market-related information. With regard to information needs, farmers showed minimal demand for traditional soil and crop management practices, indicating reliance on indigenous knowledge. However, high information needs were observed for pest and disease management, weather information, market prices, crop insurance, and government schemes. The overall pattern of information-seeking behaviour reflected a predominantly reactive approach, focusing on immediate problem-solving and risk mitigation rather than preventive and sustainability-oriented practices. The study highlights the need to strengthen institutional extension systems, promote soil health and preventive pest management advisories, and integrate trusted interpersonal networks with scientific and digital extension services to support informed decision-making and ecological sustainability in the region.