ADOPTION OF MUSHROOM CULTIVATION BY THE TRAINED FARMERS OF FARIDPUR DISTRICT

IMA

A.H.M. MOSTAFA KAMAL

Reg. No. 00207/23973

A thesis Submitted to the Faculty ofAgriculture

Sher-e -Bang/a Agricultural University, Dhaka-1207, in partial fulfillment of the requirements

for the degree of

MASTER OF SCIENCE (MS) IN

AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION AND INFORMATION SYSTEM

SEMESTER: JULY-DECEMBER, 2012

APPROVED BY:

Prof. Mohammad Hossain Bhuiyan Prof. Dr. Md. Rafiquel Islam

Supervisor Dept. of Agricultural Extension and Information System

Sher-e-l3angla Agricultural University Dhaka

Co-Supervisor Dept. of Agricultural Extension and Information System

Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University Dhaka

A

Prof. Dr. Md. Sekender All Chainnan

Examination Committee Dept. of Agricultural Extension and Information System

Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University

-I DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION AND INFORMATION SYSTEM

Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka-1207 -

Memo No: SAUl

CERTifICATE

This is to certilS' that the thesis entitled "Adoption of Mushroom Cultivation by the

Trained Farmers of Faridpnr District" submitted to the Faculty of Agriculture, Sher-

e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka-1207, in partial fulfillment of the

requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Agricultural Extension and

Information System, embodies the result of a piece of bona fide research work carried

out by A. H. M. Mostafa Kamal, Registration No. 00207/23973 under my supervision

and guidance. No part of the thesis has been submitted for any other degree or diploma.

I further certi1' that any help or source of information, received during the course of

this investigation has been duly acknowledged.

Dated: oc—c'3-2-o 3 Ohaka, Bangladesh Prof. Mohammad Hossain Bhniyan

Supervisor Department of Agricultural Extension and Information System

Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka- 1207

DEDICATED TO

MY BELOVED PARENTS

A CK;VO WLEDGE3IE,V1'S

;lllpiises to Afrzñjht(y j4llah, the qreat, graciOus, tliercifulC Whose 6iessings cnabl~ei

the author to complete this resea rchi worsuccessfuhTy.

In particular. the author deems it a gn?at pleasure to qpress his pro found thanhfiulness

to his respecteciparents, who entilefmucfi Iiarcichip uispinngforprosecutirzg his studIes,

recerving proper elucat ion

file author deems it. a pmuJ pnoilege to e;qress his ticep sense of gratitutie, sincere

appreciation and immense tfiankj to his supervisor 9vfu/iamniaLl jiossain 'l3huiyan,

'PivfCssot; 'Department of jlgticuüural 'Ecten&on and InJmnatun Sw! em, Sfier•e-

'liangla Agricultural Vniversitv, :bha/a for his continuous guilance, cooperation,

cons! ructrve criticism and he(vfil suggestions in ca flying out the research 'woilL anti

preparation of this thesis, without his intense co-operation this wor&, wvufli not have

6 ecu iossih&.

qile ant for feels prouti to eç'rcss his iecpest respect, sincere appreciation anti immense

intie6tefness to his co-supervisor 'Dr. 511d 'J4ifiquel islam., 'Professot; (Department of

)igiicultural'E.ttension anti JnJonnatwn System, She r-e-'Bangla )1gdculturalVniversit)

tDhialg, _fn his scfiohiistic anti continuous guitiance, constructive criticism and valna t5le

suggest ions dining the entire periof of course anti research work,an.ipreparation of this

thais. 11he author also expresses his heartfelt t/ianIi.s to all the teachers of the

Department ofAgticultieral2ictension and1nformat ion System, .52! V,for their vañia Ole

teaching, suggest ions a iuiencouragement tin ring the penociof the siut(y.

Specialantithankfulappreciat ion is also tine to &4'tafi m.ud £4'tisliatiantiqh,nm )lhmeclf)r

their fellonfeeli us andent-ouragenient dining the stutfvpenocl

Last i;ut not the least, the author eqresses his immense intiebiness, deppest sense of

gratitude atul profound gratefulness to his friends who had been a constant source of

Oleesings, inspira lion a nti encourageinen ifor his hzjher study.

Tile fiutfior

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER Page

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS ii

LIST OF TABLES v

LIST OF FIGURES vi

LIST OF APPENDICES vi

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS vii

ABSTRACT viii

1. INTRODUCTION Dl

1.1 General Background 01

1.2 Statement or the problem 02

1.3 Justification and scope of the study 04

1.4 Sped lic objectives of the study (. br r 04

1.5 Assumption of the study .. 05

1.6 Limitation and scope of the study - 06

1.7 Definition of key terms 06

2. REVIEW OF LITERATURE 10

2.1 Concept ofadoption. dillitsion. adoption process 10

2.2 Review of literature on general contcxt of adoption 13

2.3 Relationship between selected characteristics of the trained 19 flirmers with their adoption of mushroom cultivation

2.4 Conceptual framework of the study 26

CHAPTER Page

3. METHODOLOGY 28

3.1 Locale of the study 28

3.2 Population and sampling design 28

3.3 The research design 31

3.4 Selection of dependent and independent variables 31

3.5 The variables and their measurement 32

3.5.1 Measurement of independent variables 32

3.5.2 Measurement of dependent variable 37

3.6 Data collection 38

3.7 Hypothesis of the study 39

3.8 Data Coding and tabulation 40

3.9 Categorization of data 40

3.10 Data processing and statistical analysis 41

4. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 42

4.1 Characteristics of the farmers 42

4.1.1 Age 42

4.1.2 Education 43

4.1.3 Family size 44

4.1.4 Mushroom cultivation knowledge 45

4.1.5 Relief about mushroom 45

4.1.6 Neighbourhood influence 46

4.1.7 Length oltraining 47

In

CHAPTER Page

4.1.8 ('osmopoliteness 48

4.1.9 Extension contact 49

4. 1.10 Organizational participation 50

4.2 Adoption of mushroom cultivation 51

4.3 Relationship of the adoption of mushroom cultivation with 52 selected characteristics of the trained farmers

5. SUMMARY OF FINI)INGS, CONCLUSIONS AND 52 RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 Summary of Findings 62

5.1.1 Characteristics of the farmers 62

5.1.2 Adoption of mushroom cultivation 64

5.1.3 Relationship between adoption of mushroom cultivation 64 and their selected characteristics

5.2 Conclusions

64

5.3 Recommcndations for policy implications

66

5.3.! Recommendation for further study

67

BIBOGRAY 69

APPENDICES

I i hrrv:

79

Iv

LIST OF TABLES

Title Page

[able 3.1. Distribution of the sample population and number of 31 Ibrmers in the reserve list

Table 4.1. Distribution ol'the farmers according to their age 42

Table 4.2. Distribution of the farmers according to their education 43

Table 4.3. Distribution of the farmers according to their family size 44

Table 4.4. Distribution of the Ihrmers according to their mushroom 45 cultivation knowledge

Table 4.5. Distribution of the Ihrniers according to their belief about 46

mushroom

Table 4.6. Distribution of the farmers according to their 47

neighbourhood influence

lithle 4.7. Distribution of the farmers according to their length of 47 training

Table 4.8. Distribution of the farmers according to their 48 cosniopol iteness

table 4.9. Distribution of the farmers according to their extension 49

contact

Table 4.10 Distribution of the farmers according to their 50

organizational participation

Table 4.11 Distribution of the thruiers according to their adoption of 51 mushroom cultivation

lahle 4.12 Pearson's product moment co-ellicient of correlation 52 showing relationship between adoption of mushrooni cultivation and their selected characteristics

LIST OF FIGURES

Title Page

Figure 2.1 The conceptual framework of the study 27

Figure 3.1 Map of Faridpur district showing sadar upaziila 29

Figure 3.2 Map of Faridpur Sadar Upazilla showing the study area 30

LIST OF APPENDICES

Title Page

Appendix-A English version of the interview schedule 80

Appendix-B Correlation Matrix 86

vi

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS OF SYMBOLS AND TERMS

Full Word

And others (at elli)

Coefficient of Variation

Degrees of Freedom

Department of Agricultural Extension

Etcetera

Example

Hectare

faka

That is

Kilometer

Kilogram

Namely

Non-Government Organization

Percent

Pearson's Product Moment Correlation

Co-efficient

Abbreviation

ci al.

cv

di

DAE

etc.

e.g.

ha

11.

i.e.

Km

Kg

VIZ.

NGO

%

r

ABSTRACT

[lie main focus of (lie present study was to determine the extent of adoption at tflushrOOni

cultivation by the trained thrmers and to explore the relationships between the adoption of

mushroom cultivation of the trained lanners and their selected characteristics. The stitdv

was conducted at live villages of Sadar Upazila under Faridpur district which were

adjacent to 13hajandanga Horticulture Centre. Faridpur. Data were collected from

proportionately randomly selected 97 trained farmers from an update list ol' 972 farmers of

the study area. The researcher himself collected data through personal contact with a well

structured pretested interview, schedule during the period from 01 to 31 August, 2012. The

study revealed that the highest proportion (60.87 percent) of the respondents had low

adoption of mushroom cultivation. while 27.84 percent had medium adoption and the rest

11.34 percent had high adoption of mushroom cultivation. Pearson's Product Moment

Correlation co-cflieient (i) was computed to explore the relationships between adoption at

mushroom cultivation of the trained farmers and their selected characteristics. The

correlation analysis indicated that education, mushroom cultivation knowledge. belief

about mushroom, neighborhood influence. length of training and extension contact of the

truined farmers had significant positive relationships with their adoption of mushroom

cultivation. Age. fhtiiilv size. cosmopoliteness and organizational participation had no

significant relationships with their adoption of mushroom cultivation.

vi t i

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

1.1 General Background

Bangladesh is an agricultural country with a total area of 147570 km2. The total

population of the country is about 149.77 millions of which about 67% are

dependent on agriculture (BBS, 2011). The fruits and vegetables produced by the

country can fulfil 65-70% of the national demand. A significant portion of fruits

and vegetables are lost after harvest, as a result the available fruits and vegetables

fulfil only 50% of our requirement (Muzammel and Shahjahan, 2005). Nowadays

mushroom is a popular vegetable in our country. The nutritional and medicinal

values of Mushrooms have long been recognized (Lucas ci al., 1957 and Suzuki &

Oshinia, 1976). Edible mushrooms are good source of protein, vitamins and

minerals (Khan et aL, 1981). As a group, mushrooms also contain some

unsaturated fatty acids; provide several types of B vitamins, and vitamin D. They

also contain significant amount of vitamin C, as well as the minerals, potassium,

phosphorus, calcium and magnesium (Park, 2009). Lintzedl (2001) indicated that

100 to 200g (dry wt.) of mushroom was required to maintain nutritional balance in

a normal human body weighing 70 kg. Now, mushrooms are being cultivated in

more than 100 countries of the world, with an estimated total production of over

12 million tons (Suman and Sharma. 2007). This increased production was due to

increased production efficiency and increasing consumer demand. During the past

few decades, the demand has been increased due to easy preparation of food items.

In recent times, however, mushrooms have assumed greater importance in the diets

of both rural and urban dwellers (Bruhn, 1995). In Bangladesh, interest in

mushroom began in the late 1960's in the then East Pakistan (Majid ci al., 1968).

Applications and market for mushrooms are growing rapidly in Bangladesh.

I

Mushroom is a soft delicate white fruit-body of the fleshy fungi. Real fungus is the

microscopic fine thread-like body called mycelium, grows on the substratum or

under the surface of soil. At maturity, the mycelia come together in a very compact

form and sprout and spread as umbrella like structure (Chung et al., 1981).

Mushrooms had been used most probably by the pre-historic human as food. The

Egyptians considered mushrooms as a delicacy and the Greeks believed that

mushrooms provided strength for warriors in battle. The Romans regarded

mushrooms as a gift from God and served them only on festive occasions, while

the Chinese treasured them as a healthy food (Sheryl, 2008).

Although mushroom is a popular and nutritious food in many countries of the

world, it had long been ignored in Bangladesh. Conventionally it is considered as

"toad stool" and "non-halal" food. But according to the Holy Quran (Surah

Bakara: 57-80) and many Hadith (Bukhari Sharif, 1912), mushroom is recognized

as "Mannah" i.e.. fully "halal" vegetable having medicinal qualities. However, a

gradual change in that impression of people on mushroom has been taken place

through mushroom projects' publicity. The concerned organizations worked a lot

to change the view of producers and consumers of mushroom. They consistently

took several initiatives and launched various programs with a view to building

awareness of the growers. As a result, the scenario of mushroom cultivation has

been changed over time.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Mushroom cultivation was started first at Horticulture Centre, Sobhanbag, Savar,

Dhaka Bangladesh in 1979-80 with the help of Japan Oversees Co-operation

Volunteers (JOCV). After 2002, the Government took initiatives and gave priority

on mushroom development and approved a development project named

"Mushroom Centre Development Project (MCDP) (2003-2006)". In connection

with the success of MCDI>., another project named "Mushroom Development

Project (MDP) (2006-2009)" was also implemented by the Government of

Bangladesh. These projects built up a lot of mushroom growers, entrepreneurs and

thus created a unique opportunity for poverty alleviation. Presently, mushroom

project is performing its activities all over the country through National Mushroom

Development and Extension Centre (NMDEC), Savar and its 16 sub-centres

throughout the country (Anonymous, 2008). National Mushroom Development

and Extension Centre (NMDEC), Savar and its 16 sub-centres running training

program for the farmers about mushroom cultivation, marketing and processing.

Farmers being interested to cultivate mushroom for its nutritional and medicinal

values. The NMDEC provides training to the farmers through its sub-centres. The

trained farmers understand that by mushroom cultivation, it is possible to alleviate

poverty and create employment opportunity for youths, adolescents and women.

Now, farmers living nearby sub-centres received training on mushroom cultivation

and practicing its cultivation. Importantly farmers adopted mushroom cultivation

as a source of income. The NMDEC does not know the extent of adoption of

mushroom cultivation. This made the researcher interested to undertake a research

study entitled "Adoption of Mushroom Cultivation by the Trained Farmers of

Faridpur District", in light of above discussions and the background information,

the present study has been undertaken with the following research questions:

I. What are the characteristics of trained farmers that are related to their adoption

of mushroom cultivation?

At what extent the trained farmers adopted mushroom cultivation?

Are there any relationships between the adoption of mushroom cultivation by

the trained farmers and their selected characteristics?

3

1.3 Justification and Scope of the Study

The findings of the study will manifest the extent of adoption of mushroom

cultivation of Faridpur Sadar Upazila and will be able to give a hypothetical

thought of mushroom cultivation all over the nation. It is expected that this study

will inspire other researchers to conduct same sorts of research in other parts of the

country. Through this research the project authority of Nlvll)EC will be able to

understand the effectiveness of their innovational effort. Although mushroom are

well known and well advertised agricultural commodity still its nutritious and

economic value is unknown to majority of the people. So, this study suggests the

project planner of NMDEC and DAE to establish more mushroom training centre

all over the country. Thus the down trodden people of the country can reap

nutritious and economic benefit. Lastly it is assumed that recommendation of this

study will be helpful in formulating mushroom extension programs that will

increase the rate of adoption of mushroom cultivation. Mushrooms supply

essential nutrition and medicinal composition as well. The present study will have

a considerable scope of its adoption and diffusion in social systems of Bangladesh.

1.4 Specific Objectives of the Study

Considering the research questions and justification of the study the following

specific objectives were formulated for giving proper direction to the study:

1) To determine and describe the following selected characteristics of

mushroom trained farmers:

>Age

> Education

> Family size

> Mushroom cultivation knowledge

> Belief about mushroom

> Neighbourhood influence

:

L lt trary c P

4

> Length of training

> Cosmopoliteness

> Extension contact

> Organizational participation

To determine the extent of adoption of mushroom cultivation by the trained

farmers

To explore the relationships between the adoption of mushroom cultivation

of the trained farmers and their selected characteristics.

1.5 Assumptions of the Study

An assumption is the supposition that an apparent fact or principle is true in the

light of available evidence (Goode and Han, 1952). The researcher had the

following assumptions in his mind while undertaking this study:

The respondents selected for the study were capable to provide proper

responses to the questions included in the instrument.

The responses furnished by the respondents were reliable. They expressed

the truth about their convictions and awareness.

Views and opinions furnished by the respondents included in the sample

were the representative views and opinions of the whole population of the

study area.

The researcher who acted as interviewer was well adjusted to the social and

cultural environment of the study area. Hence the respondents furnished

their correct opinions without hesitation.

V. The environmental conditions of the farmers were deemed more or less

similar throughout the study area.

vi. The nature of problems gave a representative feature in the context of the

other rural areas of Bangladesh.

5

1.6 Limitations of the Study

Considering the time, money and other necessary resources available to make the

study manageable and meaningful, it was necessary to consider the following

limitations:

The study was confined to five villages namely Bhajondanga, Komlapur,

Tepakhula, Bilmamudpur and Ambikapur of Faridpur Sadar Upazila under

Faridpur district.

Them were many farmers in the study area, but only the farmers who were

trained and involved in mushroom cultivation were considered for this study.

Characteristics of the farmers were many and varied but only twelve

characteristics were selected for investigation in this study.

During data collection the researcher had to depend on data furnished by the

respondents. As none of the farmers kept records of their farming activities,

they furnished information to the different questions by recall.

Conceptually, extents of adoption of the farmers were determined from their

statements.

Adoption of the farmer could be measured in various ways. However in this

study these were measured by using some specific point rating scale.

The present study highlights a new dimension of research in the field of

agricultural extension in Bangladesh and so the researcher could not provide

sufficient evidence in equipping his study report with relevant literature

reviews.

1.7 Definition of Key Terms

Certain terms have been used in this research which are defined and interpreted as

follows for clarity of understanding:

Adoption: Adoption is a psychological process of innovation-decision consists of

five stages viz. Knowledge, persuasion, decision, implementation and confirmation

through which a farmer accepts or rejects an innovation (Bhuiyan, 2012). Simply,

adoption is an implementation of a decision to use of an innovation. According to

Rogers (1995), "Adoption is a decision to make full use of an innovation as the

best course of action available". When an individual takes up a new idea as the

best course of action and practices it, the phenomenon is known as adoption (Ray,

1991). In this study adoption means a decision to cultivate mushroom by the

mushroom trained farmers.

Trained farmer: Farmer who participated and received training to learn skill on

special technical aspects are said to be trained farmers. In this study trained

farmers mean farmers who received training on mushroom cultivation.

Mushroom: The term "mushroom" and its variations may have been derived from

the French word mousseron in reference to moss (mousse) it can be called as any

of various fleshy fungi of the class Basidiomycota, characteristically having an

umbrella-shaped cap borne on a stalk, especially any of the edible kinds, as those

of the genus Agaricus. Edible mushrooms are the fleshy and edible fruit bodies of

several species of fi.ingi. Edible mushrooms are consumed by humans as

comestibles for their nutritional value and they are occasionally consumed for their

supposed medicinal value. It includes many fungal species that are either harvested

wild or cultivated.

Age: It refers to the period of time from the date of birth to the date of interview

counted by the trained mushroom farmers. Age is an important innovation-

decision correlate. Many adoption researchers found significant relationship

between age and adoption of innovation.

7

Education: Empirically it was defmed to the development of desirable changes in

knowledge, skill and attitudes in an individual through reading, writing, walking,

observation and other selected activities. It was measured on the basis of classes

passed from a formal educational institution by the trained mushroom farmers.

Family size: Family size of a trained mushroom fanner was defined as the number

of individuals in his family including himself, his wife, children and other

dependent members. Generally family size of a farm family is compared with

average family size of the nation. The average family size of Bangladesh consists

of 4.4 members (BBS, 2011).

Annual Income from Mushroom: This refers to the yearly income of a trained

mushroom farmer from cultivation and trading of mushroom. In this study only

last year income from mushroom was taken into consideration.

Mushroom Cultivation Knowledge: It is the extent of basic understanding of the

farmers in different aspects of mushroom cultivation e.g. variety choosing,

selection and cutting spawn packets, insects, water management etc. It includes the

basic understanding of the use of different inputs and practices for mushroom

cultivation.

Belief about Mushroom: It is the extent of the mental act, condition, or habit of

posscssing confidence in mushroom cultivation by the farmers. The nature of

belief may be supernatural and prejudice.

Neighbourhood Influence: It is the extent of influence by the neighbours in

making any decision, take part in action or do something by the farmers.

Length of Training: It referred to the total number of days that a respondent

received training in his entire life from different organizations under different

training programs.

Cosmopoliteness: Cosmopoliteness of a respondent is measured by computing a

cosmopoliteness score. The cosmopoliteness score is assigned on the basis of

different places and frequency of his visit external to and outside his own social

system.

Extension Contact: Extension contact referred to the channel through which

various information are diffused among the farmers who become informed about

different aspects of agricultural activities.

Organizational Participation: Organizational participation of the respondent is

measured in two dimensions viz., (a) status of his participation and (b) duration of

participation in different organizations during the time of interviewing.

Mushroom Cultivation Experience: It referred to how many years a farmer has

been cultivating mushroom.

CHAPTER 2

REVIEW OF LITERATURE

The present study was conducted to assess the adoption of mushroom cultivation

by the trained farmers of Faridpur District. The purpose of this chapter is to review

the past studies and findings related to the present study. The reviews were

conveniently presented based on the major objectives of the study. The researcher,

therefore, made exhaustive effort to review the previous research works directly or

indirectly related to the present study conducted by different researchers of home

and abroad. This chapter comprises of four sections. The first section dealt with

concept of difThsion, adoption and innovation-decision process. The second

section reviewed the literature of findings researches on adoption. Third section

dealt with relationship between selected characteristics of the trained farmers with

their adoption of innovation. And the final section dealt with the conceptual

framework of the study.

2.1 Concept of Diffusion, Adoption and Innovation-Decision process

The concept of diffusion was first studied by the French sociologist Gabriel Tarde

(1890) and by German and Austrian anthropologists such as Friedrich Ratzel and

Leo Frobenius. Its basic epidemiological or internal-influence form was

formulated by H. Earl Pemberton, who provided examples of institutional

diffusion such as postage stamps and standardized school ethic codes (Wiki.).

In 1962 Everett Rogers, a professor of rural sociology published his work:

"Diffusion of Innovations". In this seminal piece, Rogers synthesized research

from over 508 diffusion studies and produced a theory applied to the adoption of

innovations among individuals and organizations.

10

Roger's work asserts that 4 main elements influence the spread of a new idea: the

innovation, communication channels, time, and a social system. These elements

work in conjunction with one another: diffusion is the process by which an

innovation is communicated through certain channels over time among the

members of a social system. Rogers adds that central to this theory is process.

Difference between Diffusion and Adoption

Adoption is an individual process detailing the series of stages one undergoes from

first hearing about a product to finally adopting it. The diffusion process, however,

signifies a group of phenomena, which suggests how an innovation spreads among

consumers. Overall, the diffusion process essentially encompasses the adoption

process of several individuals over time.

Adoption process

Rogers and Shoemaker (1971) stated the adoption process as - the traditional view

of the innovation decision process, called "adoption process" was postulated by a

committee of rural sociologists in 1955 as consisting of five stages:

Awareness stage: The individual learns of the existence of the new idea but

lacks details information about it.

Interest stage: The individual develops interest in the innovation and seeks

additional information about it.

Ill. Evaluation stage: The individual makes mental application of the new idea

to his present and anticipated future situation and decides whether or not try

it.

IV. Trail stage: The individual actually applies the new idea on a small scale in

order to determine its utility in its own situation.

11

V. Adoption stage: Te individual uses the new idea continuously on a full

scale.

Innovation-Decision process

Diffusion of an innovation occurs through a five—step process. This process is a

type of decision-making. In later edition of the "Diffusion of Innovations" Rogers

(1995) changed the terminology of the five stages to: knowledge, persuasion,

decision, implementation and confirmation. The descriptions of five stages of the

adoption process are as follows:

I. Knowledge Stage

In this stage the individual is first exposed to an innovation but lack of

information about the innovation. During this stage of the process the

individual has not been inspired to find more information about the

innovation.

Persuasion Stage

In this stage the individual is interested in the innovation and actively seeks

information/detail about the innovation.

Decision Stage

In this stage the individual takes the concept of the change and weighs the

advantages/disadvantages of using the innovation and decides whether to

adopt or reject the innovation. Due to the individualistic nature of this stage

Rogers notes that it is the most difficult stage to acquire empirical.

Implementation Stage

In this stage the individual employs the innovation to a varying degree

depending on the situation. During this stage the individual determines the

usefulness of the innovation and may search for further information about it.

12

v. Confirmation Stage

In this stage the individual finalizes his/her decision to continue using the

innovation. This stage is both intrapersonal (may cause cognitive dissonance)

and interpersonal, confirmation the group has made the right decision.

2.2 Review of Literature on General Context of Adoption

Jahan el at (2010) studied the grower's response to mushroom cultivation

technologies disseminated by mushroom development project. They found that a

great majority of the respondents (92.6%) had medium to high level of knowledge

on mushroom cultivation technologies while a majority (68.8%) of the them

showed favorable to highly favorable attitude towards it and an overwhelming

majority of the growers (96.3%) practiced the mushroom technologies moderately

to frequently. As a whole, about 68% of the growers showed medium to high level

of response to mushroom cultivation technologies. The characteristics of

mushroom growers viz., education, annual income from mushroom cultivation,

ownership of spawn packet, farming experience, training experience and extension

contact influenced the level of response to mushroom production technologies.

Three major problems ascertained by the growers were poor quality spawn packet,

unavailability of spawn packet and disease attack and insect infestation.

Haque (2003) found that the majority (47 percent) of the maize growers had

medium adoption of modem maize cultivation technologies while 28 percent had

high adoption and 25 percent low adoption.

Raliman (2003) found that ninety seven percent of the pineapple growers adopted

2-4 intercrops viz, Zinger, turmeric, sweet ground and amid in pineapple

cultivation.

13

Salam (2003) found that an overwhelming majority (94 percent) of the respondents

were found having high constraints in adopting environmentally friendly farming

practices while 6 percent had medium constraints. No fanner was found having

low constraint.

Hasan (2003) found that majority (60 percent) of the farmers had adoption while

33 percent had low adoption and 7 percent had high adoption, recommended

potato cultivation practices.

Rahman (2003) revealed that about half (47 percent) of the growers had medium

adoption, 44 percent had low and 9 percent had high adoption of year-round

homestead fruit cultivation practices.

Zegeye et aL (2002) studied the determinants of adoption of improved maize

technologies in major maize growing region of Ethiopia. He found that the rate of

adoption of improved maize varieties and chemical fertilizer, factors affecting the

adoption of improved maize varieties and the determinant factors affecting

adoption of chemical fertilizers are also highlighted.

Gebre (2002) conducted a study on Maize technology adoption in Ethiopia. This

study presents the results of the Sasakawa-Global 2000 Agriculture program in

Ethiopia and its influence on agricultural research and maize production in the

region. The Sasakawa-Global 2000 is an international non-government

organization initiated in 1986 because of the 1984-85 famine in Ethiopia, with the

aim of empowering Africa to produce its own food through the adoption improved

agricultural technologies.

14

Alexander and Goodhue (2002) conducted the study on pricing of innovation.

They evaluate the producer's returns to planting patented seed innovation, using a

calibrated optimization model of a south-central maize producer's adoption

decision in Iowa, USA. Their results suggest that patented seed innovations do not

increase the market power of biotechnology firm in the relevant market of

production system.

Swinkeles €1 aL (2002) studied assessing the adoption potential of hedgerow

intercropping for improving soil fertility, in western Kenya. They conducted that,

the average cost of hedgerow intercropping was 10.5% (SD = 5.5) when based on

returns to land and 17.5% (SD = 6.5) based on returns to labour. Fifth planted

additional hedges and only 14% did so to improve soil fertility. It thus appears that

the potential for its adoption as a soil fertility practices. Hedgerow intercropping

appears to have greater adopter potential if its aim is to provide feed for an

intensive dairy operation or for curbing soil erosion.

Sardar (2002) studied on "adoption of 1PM practices by the farmers under

PETRRA Project of RDRS. He observed that majority (45.9 percent) of the

farmers had medium, 38.3 percent had low and 15.8 percent had high adoption of

1PM practices.

Haider es al (2001) observed that one-third (37 percent) of the farmers fell in low

adopter category compared to 32.5 percent falling in optimum adopter 23.5 percent

above optimum adopter and only 7 percent had non-adopter on Nitrogenous

fertilizer. In respect of extent of phosphoric fertilizer two thirds (68 percent) of the

farmers had non adopter category compared to 23 percent having above optimum

adopter. 5 percent optimum adopter and only 4 percent had below optimum

adopter of phosphoric (P) fertilizer. In respect of extent of potassic fertilizer three

15

quarters categories compared to 10 percent falling bellow optimum adopter, 8

percent optimum adopter and only 3 percent above optimum adopter of potassic

(K) fertilizer.

Mostafa (1999) studied the adoption of recommended mango cultivate practices by

the mango growers of Nawabganj Sadar thana. He found that at half (49 percent)

of the mango growers had "low adoption", 31 percent had "very low adoption" and

20 percent had "medium adoption" of fertilizers.

Muttaleb ci al. (1998) found that over all adoption of plant protection practices

was medium. Among the plant protection practices high adoption were observed in

fungicides, insecticide and soil treatment and low adoption were found that

treatment and low adoption were found in suberization of cut tuber hand picking of

cutworm and rouging of diseased plant.

Islam (1996) carried out a study on farmer's use of indigenous technical

knowledge (ITK) in the context of sustainable agricultural development. He found

the extent use of ITK by individual farmers that, the highest proportion (42.73

percent) of the respondents belonged to the lower user category as compared to

41.82 percent in the moderate user category and 15.45 percent in the higher user

category, respectively.

Hasan (1996) found in his study that the highest proportion (44 percent) of the

respondents perceived the existence of medium adoption, compared to 26 percent

low adoption and 3 percent high adoption in respect of selected agricultural

technologies.

16

Nikhade etal. (1995) found that the adoption gap about the use of recommended

technology of cotton among cotton growers was found to be about 30 percent

which was quite high.

Juliana et aL (1991) undertook a study on adoption of integrated management

practices in five villages of vasusdevanallar block in Tirunelvi district. Tamilnaru,

India. They found that about 50 percent of marginal farmers, 47.50 percent of

small farmers and 52.50 percent of big farmers had medium adoption and 42.50

percent of big farmers, 22.50 percent of small farmers and percent of the marginal

farmers had high level of adoption. In both adopts level of big farmers'

participation was higher in comparison to other categories of farmers.

Gogoi and Gogoi (1989) conducted a study on adoption of recommended P1

protection practices in rice in Zorhat district of Assam state in India. The study

revealed that among the respondents, 50 percent had low level of 35.36 percent

medium level of adoption and 13.64 percent had high adoption of recommended

plant protection practices.

Rahman (1986) conducted a research study on the extent of adoption of four

improved practices, which were use of fertilizers, line sowing, irrigation and use of

insecticides in transplanted aman rice cultivation in two village of Mymensingh

district. It revealed that 22 percent of the farmers adopted all the four practices

compared to 49 percent adopted three practices, 22 percent adopted two practices,

5 percent adopted one practices and only 2 percent adopted of the four practices.

Sobhan (1975) studied on the extent of adoption often winter vegetables namely

tomato, radish, lettuce and potato in Boilar union of Mymensingh district. Over all

winter vegetable adoption scores of the farmers could range from 0 to 140. Over

17

all adoption scores indicated that 27 percent of the farmers did not adopted winter

vegetables cultivation while 28 percent had low adoption and 55 percent high

adoption.

Mohammad (1974) studied the extent of adoption of insect control measures by the

farmers in Khamar union of Rajshahi district. He found that among the respondent

farmers, 25 percent did not adopt insect control measure; 28 percent had high level

of adoption; 32 percent had medium level of adoption and 25 percent had low level

of adoption.

Karim (1973) conducted a study on the adoption of fertilizers by transplanting

aman growers in former Keyotkhali union of Mymensingh district. Fle studied the

adoption of three fertilizers urea, Triple super phosphate (TSP) and muriate of

potash (MP). He found that 4 percent of the respondent growers had high adoption

of fertilizers while 9 percent had medium adoption and 41 percent low adoption.

Remaining forty six percent of the respondent growers did not use any of the three

fertilizers.

Hossain (1971) carried out a research study on the adoption of four improved

practices in Gouripur of Mymensingh district. The practices were (i) plant

protection measure, (ii) recommended variety of paddy, (iii) line transplanting d

(iv) recommended dose of fertilizers. It revealed that among the responded farmers

57.40 percent adoption plant protection measure, 35.51 percent adoption

recommended variety of paddy, 25.36 percent adoption line transplanting and

11.52 percent adoption recommended dose of fertilizers.

18

2.3 Relationship between selectS characteristics of the trained farmers with

their adoption of mushroom cultivation

2.3.1 Age and adoption of mushroom cultivation

Sardar (2002) found that the age of the farmers had positive significant negative

correlation with their adoption of 1PM practices.

Aurangozeb (2002) observed that there was significant negative relationship

between age and adoption of integrated homestead farming technologies.

Sarker (1997) observed that there was no significant relationship between ages of

the farmers with their adoption of improved potato cultivation practices.

Islam (1993) observed that there was no relationship between the ages of potato

growers with their adoption of improved practices in potato cultivation. Similar

results were observed by Karim and Mahaboob (1986), Rahman (1986), Singh

(1991), Kher(1992), Pathak and Samal (1992).

Kashem (1991) observed that there was positive and significant relationship

between the ages of the marginal farmers with their adoption ofjute technologies.

Similar results were found by Ali et at (1986), Singh and Rajendra (1990), Okoro

et aL (1992), Narwal et at (1991) and Hossain et at (1991)

2.3.2 Education and adoption of mushroom cultivation

Jahan et at (2010) found that education showed significant positive relationship

with the response to mushroom production technologies.

Hossain (2003) concluded that education of the farmers had a significant and

positive relationship with their adoption of modern Boro rice cultivation practices.

19

Sardar (2002) found that the education of the farmers had significant positive

relationship with their adoption of 1PM practices.

Aurangozeb (2002) studied on the extent of adoption of integrated homestead

fanning technologies by the rural women in RDRS. He observed that there was

positive relationship between education and adoption of integrated homestead

fanning technologies.

Sarker (1997) conducted a study to determine the relationship between selected

characteristics of potato cultivation practices in five villages of Comilla District.

He found that education of potato growers had significant relationship with their

adoption of improved potato cultivation practices. Similar results were found by

Kashem( 199 1).

Bavalatti and Soundaarswamy (1990) observed no significant relationship between

education of the farmers and their adoption of dry land farming practices.

Kaur(l988) found that education influenced the opinion of the women about

adoption of vegetable gardening animal husbandry etc.

2.3.3 Family size and adoption of mushroom cultivation

Hossain (2003) revealed that family size of the farmers had a significant and

positive relationship with their adoption of modem Boro rice cultivation practices.

Sardar (2002) found that the family size of the farmers had significant positive

relationship with their adoption of 1PM practices.

Hossain (1999) conducted a study to determine the farmers' perception of the

effects of agro-chemicals on environment. He found no relationship between the

farmer's family sizes with their adoption of fertilizer.

20

Chowdhury (1997) conducted a research study on adoption of selected BNA

technologies by the farmers of Boira union in Mymensingh district. He observed

that family size of the farmers had positive and significant relationship with the

adoption of selected BINA technologies.

1-lossain (1991) in his study in sadar thana of Jamalpur observed that family size of

the farmers had no significant effect on their adoption of improved farm practices.

Similar results were observed by Sobhan (1975), Haque (1993), Bashar (1993).

Hossain (1999) found that family size of the farmers had positive significant

relationship with the adoption of agro-chemical. Similar results were also observed

by Pal (1995), Munaleb (1998), Sarker (1997), Chowhdury (1997), Rahman

(1986), Haque (1993) and Khan (1993).

2.3.4 Mushroom cultivation knowledge of and adoption of mushroom

cultivation

Sarder (2002) in his study revealed that agricultural knowledge of the farmers had

positively significant with their adoption of 1PM practices.

Koch (1985) conducted a study in the north-west organic free, state South Africa

concerning perception of agriculture innovativeness, aspiration, knowledge and

innovation adoption. 1-le observed that there was a strong positive relationship

between perception, knowledge and practice adoption. This finding is very much

in agreement with that of Rogers and Shoemaker (1971).

Reddy ci aL (1987) found significant association between knowledge and use of

improved package of practices in paddy production by participant and non

participant farmers.

21

2.3.5 Belief about mushroom and adoption of mushroom cultivation

Sarder (2002) found that the farmers' belief had significant relationships with their

adoption of 1PM practices.

Bari (2000) observed that the belief of the farmers had significant relationship with

their attitude towards the hybrid Rice Aalok 6201.

Koch (1985) conducted a study in the north-west organic free, state South Africa

concerning perception of agriculture innovativeness, belief, knowledge and

innovation adoption. He observed that there was a strong positive relationship

between perception, knowledge and practice adoption. This finding is very much

in agreement with that of Rogers and Shoemaker (1971).

2.3.6 Neighbourhood influence and adoption of mushroom cultivation

The researcher could not find any literature involving relationship between

neighbourhood influence and adoption of any innovation.

2.3.7 Length of training and adoption of mushroom cultivation

Jahan et aL (2010) found that training experience showed significant positive

relationship with the response to mushroom production technologies.

Haque (2003) found a positive relationship with training exposure and adoption of

modem technologies.

Rahman (2001) observed in study that training received of the farmers had a

significant and positive relationship with their adoption regarding Aalok 6201

hybrid rice.

22

A positive relationship was also found between training exposure and adoption of

improved practices in transplanted Aman rice by Rahman. M. M. (1986).

2.3.8 Cosmopoliteness and adoption of mushroom cultivation

Aurangozeb (2002) conducted a study on adoption of integrated homestead

farming technologies by the rural women in RDRS. He found that there was a

significant relationship between cosmopoliteness and adoption of integrated

homestead farming technologies.

Hossain (2001) found a positive significant relationship between cosmopolitness

of the farmers and their adoption of pesticides. Pal (1995), lIalim (1985), Khan

(1993), Haque (1993) and Islam (1996) observed similar results.

1-lussen (2001) conducted a study on farmers' knowledge and adoption of modem

sugarcane cultivation practices. He found that cosmopoliteness of the growers had

significant positive relationship with their adoption of modem sugarcane

cultivation practices.

Rahman (2001) conducted a study on knowledge, attitude and adoption of the

farmers regarding Aalok 6201 hybrid rice Sadar upazila of Mymensingh district.

He found that cosmopoliteness of the farmers had a significant and positive

relationship with their adoption regarding Aalok 6201 hybrid rice.

Chowdhury (1997) conducted a study on the adoption of selected BINA

technologies by the farmers of Bona union in Mymensingh district. He found that

there was no significant relationship between the cosmopoliteness of the farmers

and their composite adoption of selected BINA technologies. Similar findings

were observed by Mamma (1972), Mohammad (1974), Sobhan (1975), Hossain

(1991) and Islam (1996).

23

Pal (1995) conducted a research on the adoption of recommended sugarcane

cultivation practices by the farmers. He observed that the cosmopoliteness of the

farmers had significant positive relationship with their adoption of recommended

sugarcane cultivation practices. Similar results were found by FIalim (1985), Khan

(1993), Hague (1993) and Islam (1996).

Haque(1993) observed in his study, a strong positive relationship between

cosmopoliteness of sugarcane growers and their adoption of improved practices in

sugarcane cultivation.

Islam (1993) found a significant relationship between cosmopoliteness of the

farmers and their adoption of recommended dose of fertilizer and plant protection

measures in potato cultivation.

Khan (1993) observed in his study on adoption of insecticide and related issues by

the farmers, a positive relationship between cosmopoliteness of the farmers and

their adoption of insecticides.

Hussain (1991) conducted a study on the Adoption Behaviour of Contract Growers

in Sadar Upazilla of Jarnalpur District. He found that there was no significant

relationship between cosmopoliteness of the farmers and their overall adoption of

improved farm practices. Similar findings were observed by Mannan (1972),

Mohammad (1974), Sobhan (1975) and Islam (1996).

2.3.9 Extension media contact and adoption of mushroom cultivation

Jahan a' aL (2010) found that extension contact had significant positive

relationship with the response to mushroom production technologies.

24

Haque (2003) concluded that extension contact of the farmers had significant

positive relationship with their adoption of modem maize cultivation

technologies.

Sardar (2002) concluded that the extension contact had positively significant,

relationship with their adoption of 1PM practices.

Aurangozeb (2002) observed that there was significant relationship between

contact with extension media and adoption of integrated homestead farming

technologies.

Osunloogun et aL (1996) studied adoption of improved Agricultural practices by

co-operative farmers in Nigeria. The findings of the study indicated a positive

Oc relationship between extension contact and adoption improved practices.

Bezbora (1980) studied adoption of improved agricultural technology by the

farmers of Assam. The study indicated a positive relationship between extension• ::

contact and adoption of improved cultivation practices.

2.3.10 Organizational participation and adoption of mushroom cultivation.

Rahman (2001) conduct a study on knowledge attitude and adoption of the farmers

regarding Aalok 6201 hybrid rice in Sadar upazila of Mymensingh district. He

found that organizational participation of the farmers had a significant and positive

relationship with their adoption regarding Aalok 6201 hybrid rice.

Mostafa (1999) conducted a study on adoption of recommended mango cultivation

practices by the mango growers of Nawabganj Sadar thana. He found that

organizational participation of mango growers had a significant positive

relationship with their adoption of reconunended mango cultivation practices.

25

2.4 The Conceptual Framework of the Study

In scientific research, selection and measurement of variables constitute an

important task. Properly constructed hypothesis of any research contain at least

two variables namely, "dependent variable" and "independent variable". Selection

and measurement of those variables is an important task. A dependent variable is

that which appears, disappears or varies as the researcher introduces, remove or

varies the independent variables (Townsend, 1953). An independent variable is

that factor which is manipulated by the researcher in his attempt to ascertain its

relationship to an observed phenomenon.

This study concerned with dependent variable, adoption of mushroom cultivation

and the selected characteristics as independent variables, i.e. age, education, family

size, mushroom cultivation knowledge, belief about mushroom, neighborhood

influence, length of training, cosmopoliteness, extension contact, organization

participation and mushroom cultivation experience.

Based on these above discussion and the review of literature, the conceptual

framework of this study has been formulated and shown in figure 2.1.

26

I

Independent variables

I

Dependent variable

Selected characteristics of the trained

mushroom farmers:

Age

Education

Family size

Mushroom cultivation Knowledge

Belief about mushroom

Neighbourhood influence

Length of training

Cosmopoliteness

Extension contact

Organizational participation

Adoption of mushroom cultivation by the trained farmers

Figure 2.1 Conceptual framework of the study

27

CHAPTER 3

METHEDOLOGY

In any scientific research methodology plays an important role. Methodology

should be such that enables the researcher to collect valid information and to

analyze the same properly to arrive at correct decisions. The purpose of this

chapter is to describe the methods and procedures followed in conducting the

present study.

3.1 Locale of the Study

Sadar Upazila of Faridpur District was selected purposively as the locale of the

study. Bhajandanga Horticulture Centre of DAE is one of the agriculture

importances of Faridpur Sadar Upazila. Up to now farmers of 14 villages received

training on mushroom cultivation from Bhajandanga Horticulture Centre. Out of

fourteen villages five villages were selected randomly as the locale of the study.

The villages were Bhajandanga, Bilmamudpur, Alipur, Tepakhola and Komlapur.

Adoption of innovation varies from farmer to farmer. So, it is important to know

how extent the trained farmers from this area adopted mushroom cultivation. Maps

of Faridpur District and sadar upazilla showing the study areas are presented in

Figures 3.1 and 3.2 respectively.

3.2 Population and Sampling Design

All trained mushroom farmers of five villages of sadar upazila of Faridpur District

constituted the population of the study. An up-to-date list of the farmers was

prepared with the help of Sub Assistant Agriculture Officer (SAAO) of

Bhajandanga Horticulture Centre. A total of 972 farmers of selected five villages

have taken training on mushroom cultivation from BHC. Ten percent farmers had

6

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29

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Figure 3.2 A Map of Faridpur Sadar Upazilla

I

selected using the proportionately random sampling method from this list.

Thus, 97 mushroom farmers were selected constituted the sample size for this

study. A reserve list of 10 respondents was also prepared for covering the positions

in case of the absence of the selected respondents during interview. The

distribution of the population and the sample size have been presented in table 3.1.

Table 3.1 Distribution of the population, sample and number of trained farmers in the reserve list

Name of villages Population size Sample size Reserve list size

Bhajandanga 214 21 2

Bilmamudpur 175 18 2

Alipur 194 19 2

Tepakhola 165 17 2

Komlapur 224 22 2

Total 972 97 10

3.3 The Research Design

The research design has followed in the present study. An interview schedule was

prepared for data collection from the mushroom farmers of Faridpur sadar upazilla.

The simultaneous measurements on independent and dependent variables were

recorded with great care.

3.4 Selection of Dependent and Independent Variables

The researcher employed adcquate care in selecting the variables of the study.

Considering personal, economic, social and psychological factors of the rural

community, time and resources availability to researcher, reviewing relevant

literature and discussing with relevant expert, the researcher selected the variables

for the study.

31

A variable is any characteristic which can assume varying or different values in

successive individual cases (Ezekiel and Fox, 1959). A well organized piece of

research usually contains at least two variables, independent and a dependent

variable. An independent variable is that factor which is maintained by the

researcher in his/her attempt to ascertain its relationship to an observed

phenomenon. A dependent variable is that factor which appears, disappears or

varies as the researcher introduces, removes or varies the independent variable

(Townsend, 1953). Adoption of mushroom cultivation by trained farmers was the

main focus of this study and it was considered as the dependent variable. The

researcher selected 10 characteristics of the respondents as the independent

variables. These were: age, education, family size, mushroom cultivation

knowledge, belief about mushroom, neighbourhood influence, length of training.

cosmopoliteness, extension contact and organizational participation.

33 Measurement of the variables

In order to conduct the study in accordance with the objectives it was necessary to

measure the independent and the dependent variables. The procedure for

measuring the variables described below.

3.5.1 Measurement of independent variables

Ten selected characteristics of the trained farmers were considered as independent

variables.

33.1.1 Age

Age of a farmer referred to the period of time from his/her birth to the time of

interview. It was measured in terms of actual years on the basis of his/her

statement. One score was assigned for each year of his/her age.

32

3.5.1.2 Education

Educational level of the respondent farmers was measured on the basis of

completed years of schooling in an academic institute. One score was assigned for

each completed year of schooling. If a respondent did not know reading and

writing, his/her education score was assigned as zero (0). A score of 0.5 was

assigned to a respondent who only could sign his/her name. Besides, the

respondent got actual score of his/her every year of schooling i.e. I for class one, 2

for class two and so on.

3.5.1.3 Family size

Family size of a mushroom farmer's family was measured on the basis of total

number of family members and assigned score one for each member of the family.

For example, if a respondent had 6 members in his family, then his/her family size

score was 6.

3.5.1.4 Mushroom cultivation knowledge

Mushroom cultivation knowledge of a respondent was measured by asking him/her

15 questions related to different aspects of mushroom cultivation e.g. selection and

cutting spawn packets, insects, water management, variety choosing etc. It was

measured assigning weightage 5 for each question. So. the total assigned scores for

all the questions was 75. The score was given according to response at the time of

interview.

Answering a question correctly an individual could obtain full score. While for

wrong answer or no answer he obtained zero score. Partial score was assigned for

partially correct answer. Thus, the mushroom cultivation knowledge score of a

respondent could range from 0 to 75, where 0 indicates 'very low knowledge' and

75 indicates 'very high knowledge'.

33

Extent of influence Assigned score

High influence 4

Moderate influence 3

3.5.1.5 Belief about mushroom

Belief is the prerequisite for adoption of an innovation. Six statements on belief

about various aspects of mushroom were asked to the trained farmers to measure

the belief about mushroom. The farmers were asked to indicate for each of the

statements, whether they had "strong belief', "moderate belief', "weak belief' and

"very weak belier' with a corresponding score of 4, 3, 2 and I respectively. The

belief score of a mushroom farmer was computed by summing up the scores for

his/her responses to all the items. Hence, scores of belief about mushroom could

range from 6 to 24; where 6 indicating 'very weak' belief and 24 indicating 'strong

belief' about mushroom.

3.5.1.6 Neighbourhood influence

Neighbourhood influence is a great trigger to adopt an innovation. Neighbourhood

influence of a respondent was measured by asking ten statements about their

neighbours. A four point scale was used to compute the neighbourhood influence.

The score was assigned on the basis of extent of influence to the respondents. The

scoring was done in the following manner:

Weak influence 2

Very weak influence

Thus, the neighbourhood influence score of a respondent was obtained by adding

his/her scores for all the ten items and it could range from '10' to 40 where '10'

indicated 'very weak neighbourhood influence' and 40 indicated 'very high

neighbourhood influence'.

34

3.5.1.7 Length of training

Length of training of a respondent was measured on the basis of number of days of

training received on mushroom cultivation from different sources. The score of a

respondent was measured in terms of number of days for receiving training. For

example, score one was assigned for one day training.

3.5.1.8 Cosmopoliteness

Cosmopoliteness of a respondent was measured in terms of his/her nature of visits

to the seven different places external to his/her own social system. The scale used

for computing the cosmopoliteness score was presented below:

Extent of visit Assigned score

Not at all 0

Rarely

Occasionally 2

Often 3

Regularly 4

The cosmopoliteness score of a respondent was determined by adding together the

scores obtained from visit to each of the seven (7) types of places. The

cosmopoliteness score of the respondents could range from 0 to 28, where, 0

indicating no cosmopoliteness and 24 indicating very high cosmopoliteness.

3.5.1.9 Extension contact

It was measured of the basis of a respondents' extent of exposure to 13 selected

information sources related to agricultural extension. A respondent was asked to

choose one answer among five option of contact for each medium, namely:

regularly, often, occasionally, rarely and not at all. Weight was assigned for all

extension media in the following manner:

35

Extent of contact Weighting system

Not at all 0

Rarely 1

Occasionally 2

Often 3

Regularly 4

The extension contact score of a respondent was, therefore, determined by adding

the total responses against 13 selected extension media. Thus, the extension

contact score could range from 0 to 52, where 0 indicating no extension contact

and 52 indicating the highest extension contact.

3.5.1.10 Organizational participation

The organizational participation score was computed for each respondent on the

basis of his/her membership with four different types of organizations. The

following scale was used for computing the organizational participation score.

Categories of participation: Score

No participation 0

Participation as ordinary member 1

Participation as executive member 2

Participation as president or secretary 3

Each membership category was multiplied by duration of membership. If a

respondent had membership in two or more organizations his scores were

computed by adding the scores obtained for each organization according to the

categories of his membership. Four types of organizations were in existence in the

study area. Organizational participation score of a respondent for each

item/organization was obtained by adding the scores according to the formula

36

I mentioned below:

Organizational Participation = P x D

Where,

N Participation Score

D= Duration Score

Finally, organizational participation score was measured by the scores obtained

from all the four selected organizations.

3.5.2 Measurement of dependent variable

The adoption of mushroom cultivation was the dependent variable of this study.

Adoption of mushroom cultivation was measured by multiplying two sub-scores.

The score was based on two dimensions, viz, number of spawn cultivation by an

individual and the mushroom cultivation experience of that trained farmer who has

adopted. Two sub-scores, namely number of spawn sub-score and experience sub-

score were computed for the said dimensions. Procedures followed in computing

the two sub-scores have been presented below:

a) Number of spawn sub-score

Number of spawn sub-score was determined on the basis of the number of spawn

packets having used of his/her total cultivation period for adoption of mushroom

cultivation. Scoring was made as follows:

Spawn packets used for adoption of mushroom cultivation Sub-score

25-50 spawn packets

51-75 spawn packets 2

76-100 spawn packets 3

Above 100 spawn packets 4

37

Possible number of spawn sub-scores for the farmers could vary from a minimum

of 1 to a maximum of 4. It was assumed that the higher the number of spawn sub-

score the higher will be the adoption.

b) Mushroom cultivation experience sub-score

Mushroom cultivation experience sub-score was computed on the basis of the

years during which an individual experienced in mushroom cultivation in the study

area. Scoring was made in the following manner.

Years of mushroom cultivation Sub-score

Below 1 year

1-2 years 2

3-4 years 3

Above 4 years 4

Possible experience scores of the farmers could also range from 1 to 4. It was

assumed that the higher the experience sub-score, the more will be the adoption.

Therefore, the adoption score was computed by multiplying number of spawn sub-

score and mushroom cultivation experience sub-score. Thus, the obtained score

could range from Ito 16.

The score one (1) indicated the lowest adoption and 16 indicated highest adoption

of mushroom cultivation. It was finally assumed, that the higher the adoption

score, the greater will be the overall adoption of mushroom cultivation.

3.6 Data collection

The researcher himself collected data with the help of an interview schedule from

the sample respondents through face to face interview using the pre-scheduled

leisure period of respondent from 01 to 31 August, 2012.

I

The researcher made all possible efforts to establish rapport with the respondents

so that they could feel to respond to the questions contained in the schedule.

Rapport was established with the farmers prior to interview and the objectives

were clearly explained by using local language as far as possible. Interviews were

conducted with the respondents at homes and tae shops during their off time.

During the visit the objectives of the study were explained to most of the

respondents. Brief information regarding the nature and purpose of the study was

given to the respondents before actual interview. Questions were asked

systematically and explanations were made whenever it was necessary. The

information was duly checked in order to minimize errors. Some data were

recorded in local unit. These were subsequently converted to appropriate standard

units. The respondents were interviewed at their off time so that they could give

accurate information in a cool mind. The researcher in collecting data faced no

serious problem. Excellent co-operation was obtained from the respondent during

the data collection.

3.7 Hypothesis of the study

The following research hypotheses were put forward to test the relationships

between selected independent and dependent variables. The independent variables

were age, education, family size, mushroom cultivation knowledge, belief about

mushroom, neighborhood influence, length of training, cosrnopoliteness, extension

contact and organization participation. The dependent variable was adoption of

mushroom cultivation.

As defined by Goode and Halt (1952) "A hypothesis is a proposition, which can be

put to a test to determine its validity. It may seen contrary to, or in accord with

39

common sense. It may prove to be correct or incorrect. In any event, however, it

leads to an empirical test".

According to Kerlinger (1973) a hypothesis is a conjectural statement of the

relation between two or more variables. Hypothesis are always in declarative form

of sentence and they are related, either generally or specifically from variables to

variables. In broad sense hypotheses are divided into two categories: (a) Research

hypothesis and (b) Null hypothesis. In studying relationships between variables an

investigator first formulates research hypothesis which states anticipated

relationships between the variables. However, for statistical test it becomes

necessary to formulate null hypothesis. A null hypothesis states that there is no

relationship between the concerned variables.

The following null hypothesis would be formulated to explore the relationship of

the selected characteristics of the farmers with their adoption of mushroom

cultivation:

"There are no relationships between each of the selected characteristics of the

trained farmers and their adoption of mushroom cultivation".

3.8 Data Coding and Tabulation

Data were coded into a coding sheet. Data collected thus from the respondents

were compiled, tabulated, analyzed in accordance with the objectives of the study

by using computer system. The qualitative data were converted into quantitative by

means of suitable scoring techniques for the purpose of analysis.

3.9 Categorization of Data

For describing the independent and the dependent variables, the respondents were

classified into several categories in respect of each of the variable. These

EtC

categories were developed by considering the nature of distribution of the data and

the general conditions prevailing in the social system.

3.10 Data processing and statistical analysis

The computer software SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences, version

11.5) was used to analyze the data. Data were presented mostly in the tabular form.

Various statistical measures like number, percentage distribution, range, mean,

standard deviation, correlation coefficient etc. were used to describe and interpret

the data.

In order to explore the relationships between adoption of mushroom cultivation

and the selected characteristics of the trained farmers, the Pearson Product

Moment Correlation was used. Correlation matrix was also computed to determine

the interrelationships among the variables. Five percent (0.05) level of significance

was used as the basis of rejecting any null hypothesis. If the computed value of co-

efficient of correlation 'r' was equal to or greater than table value at designed

(0.05) level of significance for the relevant degrees of freedom, the null hypothesis

was rejected and it was concluded that there was significant relationship between

the concerned variables. However, when the computed value of co-efficient of

correlation was found to be smaller than the tabulated value at the designated level

of significant for the relevant degrees of freedom, it was concluded that the null

hypothesis could not be rejected and hence there was no relationship between the

concerned variables.

41

CHAPTER 4

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

In this Chapter, the findings are presented in three sections in accordance with the

objectives of the study. The first section deals with the selected characteristics of

the farmers. The second section has dealt with their adoption of mushroom

cultivation. And the last section has dealt with relationships between the selected

characteristics of the farmers and their adoption of mushroom cultivation.

4.1 Characteristics of the mushroom farmers

The findings relating to the selected characteristics of the farmers namely; age,

education, family size, mushroom cultivation knowledge, belief about mushroom,

neighbourhood influence, length of training, cosmopoliteness, extension contact

and organization participation are presented and discussed as follows:

4.1.1 Age

The age of the mushroom farmers ranged from 17 to 58 years with a mean and

standard deviation of 33.00 and 9.11 respectively. Considering the age, the farmers

were classified into three categories namely 'young', 'middle' and 'old' aged. The

distribution of the respondents' based on their age categories are presented in

Table 4.1.

Table 4.1 Distribution of the farmers according to their age

Categories (Scores) Respondents

__ Mean Standard

deviation Number Percent

Young aged (below 35 years) 61 62.98

9.11 Middle aged (35-50 years) 31 31.96

Old aged (above5Oyears) 5 5.15

Total 97 100

42

Table 4.1 indicated that the young aged mushroom farmers comprised of the

highest proportion (62.98 percent) followed by middle aged category (31.96

percent) and the lowest proportion were made by the old aged category (5.15

percent). Data also indicate that the young and middle aged mushroom farmers

constituted about 94.85 percent of the respondents. It seemed, young and middle

aged persons were more interested to mushroom cultivation.

4.1.2 Education

The educational scores of the respondent farmers ranged from 0 to 16 with a mean

and standard deviation of 4.01 and 4.76 respectively. Based on their educational

scores, the farmers were classified into five categories such as 'illiterate' (0), 'can

sign only' (0.5), 'primary education' (1 to 5), 'secondary education' (6 to 10) and

'above secondary education' (above 10). The distribution of the farmers according

to their education has been presented in Table 4.2.

Table 4.2 Distribution of the farmers according to their education

Categories (Scores) Respondents

Mean Standard

deviation _________ Number Percent

illiterate (0) 13 13.40

4.01 4.76

Can sign only (0.5) 25 25.77

Primary education (1-5) 29 29.90

Secondary education (6-10) 19 19.59

Above secondary education (above 10) 11 11.34

Total 97 100

Table 4.2 shows that farmers under 'primary education category constituted the

highest proportion (29.90 percent) compared to 25.77 percent can sign only

category, 19.59 percent secondary level and 13.40 percent illiterate level category.

43

On the other hand the lowest 11.34 percent belonged to above secondary level

category. From the national education point of view the literacy level of the study

area was formed to be satisfactory.

4.1.3 Family size

The family size of the respondents ranged from 2 to 9 with a mean and standard

deviation of 3.98 and 1.87 respectively. Based on their family size, the respondents

were classified into three categories viz., small family size (5 4 nos.), medium

family size (5 to 7 nos.) and large family size (5 to 7 nos.). The distribution of the

farmers according to their family size has been presented in Table 4.3.

Table 43 Distribution of the farmers according to their family size

Categories (Scores) Respondents

Mean Standard

deviation ________

Number _________

Percent

Small family size (54 nos.) 68 70.10

3.98 1.87 Medium family size (5 to 7 nos.) 22 22.68

Large family size (above 7 nos.) 7 7.22

Total 97 100

Data contained in the Table 4.3 indicated that the small family size constituted the

highest proportion (70.10 percent) of the farmers followed by 22.68 percent with

medium family size and the lowest 7.22 percent large family size. The findings of

the study revealed that overwhelming majority (92.78 percent) of the farmers have

small to medium family size. The people of the study area were very much alert to

keep their family size small. Small size family can educate their children properly

and can enjoy other social amenities.

4.1.4 Mushroom cultivation knowledge

Mushroom cultivation knowledge score of the respondents ranged from 18 to 62

against the possible score from 0 to 75 with a mean and standard deviation of

37.09 and 10.87 respectively. On the basis of their mushroom cultivation

knowledge score, the farmers were classified into three categories, viz, low

knowledge, medium knowledge and high knowledge. The distribution of the

farmers according to the mushroom cultivation knowledge categories has been

presented in Table 4.4.

Table 4.4 Distribution of the farmers according to their mushroom cultivation knowledge

Categories Respondents

Mean Standard

deviation ______ Number

___ Percent

Low knowledge (S26) 22 22.68

37.09 10.87 Medium knowledge (2748) 59 60.82

High knowledge (>48) 16 16.50

Total 97 tOO

Data in table 4.4 reveal that the farmers having medium knowledge in mushroom

cultivation constituted the highest proportion (60.82 percent) followed by low

knowledge in mushroom cultivation (22.68 percent) and high knowledge in

mushroom cultivation (16.50 percent). Table 4.4 showed an overwhelming

majority (83.50 percent) of the farmers had low to medium knowledge in

mushroom cultivation. Low knowledge might not affect mushroom adoption.

Because the respondents live around the training centre. Whenever they face

problem can visit training centre and solve their problems.

4.13 Belief about mushroom

Belief about mushroom score of the farmers ranged from 6 to 18 against the

45

possible score from 6 to 24 with a mean and standard deviation of 8.42 and 2.98

respectively. Based on their belief about mushroom, the respondents were

classified into three categories. These categories were low belief (S 6), medium

belief (7 to 12) and large belief(> 12). The distribution of the farmers according to

their belief about mushroom categories has been presented in Table 4.5.

Table 4.5 Distribution of the farmers according to their belief about mushroom

Categories

Respondents Mcan Standard deviation

Low belief (S 6)

8.42 2.98 Medium belief (7-12) E High belief(> 12)

Total

Table 4.5 indicates that the medium belief holder constituted the highest

proportion (47.42 percent) of the respondents followed by 43.30 percent with low

belief holder and only 9.28 percent were high belief holder farmers. The findings

of the study revealed that an overwhelming portion (90.72 percent) of the farmers

were in low to medium belief categories about mushroom cultivation. The Quranic

belief inspires the respondents to adopt mushroom cultivation.

4.1.6 Neighbourhood influence

Neighbourhood influence score of the respondents ranged from 10 to 36 against

the possible range from zero 10 to 40. The average score was 21.01 with a

standard deviation of 5.65. Based on the score of farmers' neighbourhood

influence the respondents were classified into three categories as 'low

neighbourhood influence' (S 20), 'medium neighbourhood influence' (21-30) and

'high neighbourhood influence' (> 30). The distribution of the respondents

according to their neighbourhood influence has been presented in Table 4.6.

46

Table 4.6 Distribution of the farmers according to their neighbourhood influence

Categories (Scores) Respondents I

Mean Standard

deviation ________ Number Percent

Low neighbourhood influence (S 20) 49 50.51

21.01 5.65 Medium neighbourhood influence (21-30) 41 42.27

High neighbourhood influence (> 30) 7 7.22

Total 97 100

Data shown in Table 4.6 indicate that the highest proportion (50.51 percent) of the

respondents had low neighbourhood influence, while 42.27 percent and 7.22

percent of the respondents had medium and high neighbourhood influence

respectively. From the findings conclusion can be drawn that, mushroom adopters

are self influenced and equally influenced by neighbourhood as well.

;l)

4.1.7 Length of training

Length of training of the respondent's farmers ranged from 1 to 4 score with a

mean and standard deviation of 2.28 and 1.04 respectively. Based on their length

of training score, the respondents were classified into three categories. These

categories were low, medium and high length of training. The distribution of the

respondents according to their length of training has been presented in Table 4.7.

Table 4.7 Distribution of the farmers according to their length of training

Categories (Scores) Respondents Mean

Standard deviation Number Percent

Low length of training (=1) 26 26.80

2.28

100

1.04 Medium length of training (2-3) 55 56.70

High length of training ( a4) 16 16.50

Total 97

Data in Table 4.7 indicated that 56.70 percent of the respondents were in medium

47

length of training group while, 26.80 percent of them had low length of training

and remaining 16.50 percent had high length of training. Training helps the

farmers to acquire deep knowledge and improve skills about the respected aspects.

Trained farmers can cope with and handle smoothly the adverse situation in their

cultivation.

4.1.8 Cosmopoliteness

The maximum cosmopoliteness score of the respondents was 17 and the minimum

score was 5 against the possible range of '0' to 28. 1-lowever, the avenge was

11.03 and the standard deviation was 3.00. Based on their cosmopoliteness scores,

the respondents were classified into three categories: low cosmopoliteness.

medium cosmopoliteness and high cosmopoliteness. The distribution of the

respondents according to their cosmopoliteness is shown in Table 4.8.

Table 4.8 Distribution of the farmers according to their cosmopoliteness

Categories (Scores) Respondents

Mean Standard deviation Number Percent

Low cosmopoliteness (S 9) 25 25.80

11.03

100

3.00 medium cosmopoliteness (10-13) 64 66.00

High cosmopoliteness (? 14) 8 8.20

Total I 97

Data contained in 'fable 4.8 indicated that the highest proportion (66 percent) of

the mushroom farmers had medium cosmopoliteness as compared to 25.80 percent

of low cosmopoliteness and 8.20 percent had high cosmopoliteness. The findings

revealed that an overwhelming portion (91.80 percent) of the farmers had in low to

medium cosmopoliteness in the study area. Cosmopoliteness habit of a person

increase knowledge about mushroom cultivation in one hand and change attitude

48

on the other. One extraversion or high cosmopolite person influences low and

medium cosmopolite one.

4.1.9 Extension contact

The extension contact score of the respondent farmers ranged from 8 to 25 against

the possible range of zero '0' to 52 with a mean and standard deviation of 16.39

and 3.90 respectively. Based on their extension media contact score, the

respondents were classified into three categories. These categories were low,

medium and high extension contact. The distribution of the respondents according

to their extension contact has been presented in Table 4.9.

Tnhle 4.9 Distribution of the farmers according to their extension contact

Categories (Scores) Respondents

Mean Standard deviation Number Percent

Low contact (:5 13) 20 20.62

16.39

100

3.90 Medium contact (14-20) 64 65.98

High contact (> 20) 13 13.40

Total 97

Table 4.9 indicates that the farmers having medium extension contact category

constituted the highest proportion (65.98 percent) followed by low contact (20.62

percent) and high contact category (13.40 percent). Table 4.10 also shows that the

majorities (86.58 percent) of the farmers had low to medium extension contact of

the study area.

Data contained in the table 4.10 reveal that extension contact of mushroom

adopters was not so much appreciable. Because, the obtained highest score was

only 25 out of 52. Extension contact and cosmopoliteness score were found almost

Mo

at same level. However, it cannot be denied that more extension contact is likely to

be more adoption.

4.1.10 Organizational participation

The maximum organizational participation score of the respondents was '8' and

the minimum score was V. Flowever, the average was 1.36 and the standard

deviation was 1.99. Based on their organizational participation scores, the

respondents were classified into three categories: no organizational participation,

low organizational participation and medium organizational participation. The

distribution of the respondents according to their organizational participation has

been shown in Table 4.10.

Table 4.10 Distribution of the farmers according to their organizational participation

rcategori (Scores) Respondents

Mean Standard deviation Number Percent

No organizational participation (= 0) 56 57.73

1.36 1.99 Low organizational participation (1-5) 34 35.05

Medium organizational participation (>5) 7 7.22

Total 97 100

Data contained in Table 4.10 indicate that the highest proportion (57.73 percent) of

the mushroom farmers had no organizational participation while 35.05 percent had

low organizational participation and only 7.22 percent had medium organizational

participation. The rmdings revealed that an overwhelming portion (92.78 percent)

of the farmers had in no to low organizational participation in the study area. The

extent of organizational participation in the study area is frustrating. The same

result was found in respect of cosmopoliteness and extension contact. The

NMDEC and DAB extension personnel should be more alert about their clients'

communication behaviour. They must have motivation strategy to make their

50

client more cosmopolite, active to extension partner and active organizational

participatory.

4.2 Adoption of mushroom cultivation

Adoption score of mushroom cultivation was ranged from I to 16 against the

similar possible range score. The average score was 4.01 with a standard deviation

of 3.60. Based on the scores of adoption of mushroom cultivation, the farmers

were classified into three categories as 'low adoption' (S 3), 'medium adoption' (4-

8) and 'high adoption' (~ 9). The distribution of the respondents according to their

adoption of mushroom cultivation has been presented in Table 4.11.

Table 4.11 Distribution of the farmers according to their adoption of mushroom cultivation

Categories (Scores) Respondents

Mean Standard deviation Number Percent

Low adoption (S 3) 59 60.82

401 3.60 Medium adoption (4-8) 27 27.84

High adoption (?9) II 11.34

Total 97 100

Findings shown in table 4.11 reveal that the highest proportion (60.82 percent) of

the respondents had low adoption of mushroom cultivation, while 27.84 percent

had medium adoption and the rest 11.34 percent had high adoption of mushroom

cultivation. Table 4.11 showed that a vast majority (88.66 percent) of the farmers

had low to medium adoption of mushroom cultivation. Conclusion can be drawn

that most of the trained mushroom cultivators were suppose to be new. They were

not ready to accept any risk. Mushroom cultivation is a risk oriented business. So,

they started their business with minimum number of spawn packets. In future there

is a possibility to expand their mushroom cultivation business. Because they

received specialized training on mushroom cultivation.

4.3 Relationship of the adoption of mushroom cultivation of the trained farmers with their selected characteristics

Pearson's Product Moment Correlation Co-efficient (r) was computed in order to

find out the extent of relationship between adoption of mushroom cultivation of

the trained fanners and their selected characteristics. To reject or accept the null

hypothesis, 0.05 level of probability was used. Results of correlation have been

shown in Table 4.12. Correlation co-efficient among all the variables might be

seen in the correlation matrix in appendix-B.

Table 4.12 Pearson's product moment co-efficient of correlation showing relationship between adoption of mushroom cultivation and their

selected characteristics

Dependent variable Independent variables co-efficient of 95 df Value of Tabulated value at

correlation (r) 0.05 level 0.01 level

Age MOS6NS

0.191 0.249

Education 0.302**

Family size -0.1 75 Ns

Mushroom cultivation

Adoption of knowledge 0.504

mushroomBelief about mushroom 0.548**

cultivation Neighbourhood influence 0572

Length of training 0.535**

Cosmopoliteness 0.115

Extension media contact 0.206

Organizational participation 0.066 Ns

Signiflcant at the (LU I level

* Significant at the 0.05 level Ns Not significant

52

4.3.1 Relationship between adoption of mushroom cultivation and their age

Relationship between age and adoption of mushroom cultivation was determined

by Pearson's product moment correlation coefficient.

The coefficient of correlation between age and adoption of mushroom cultivation

was presented in Table 4.12. The coefficient of correlation (r) between the

concerned variables was found -0.086. The following observations were made on

the basis of the value of correlation coefficient between the two concerned

variables of the study under consideration.

The relationship showed a negative trend between the concerned variables.

The observed value of "r" (-0.086) between the concerned variables was

found to be smaller than the tabulated value (r = 0.191) with 95 degrees of

freedom at 0.05 level of probability.

The null hypothesis could not be rejected.

The relationship between the concerned variables was not statistically

significant at 0.05 level of probability.

Based on the above finding, it was concluded that age of the famers had no

significant relationship with the adoption of mushroom cultivation. That is,

fanners of all age categories can adopt mushroom cultivation.

4.3.2 Relationship between adoption of mushroom cultivation and their

education

Relationship between education and adoption of mushroom cultivation was

determined by Pearson's product moment correlation coefficient.

The coefficient of correlation between education and adoption of mushroom

cultivation was presented in Table 4.12. The coefficient (r) of correlation between

53

the concerned variables was found 0.302. The following observations were made

on the basis of the value of correlation coefficient between the two concerned

variables of the study under consideration.

The relationship showed a positive trend between the concerned variables.

The observed value of "r" (0.302) between the concerned variables was

found to be greater than the tabulated value (r = 0.249) with 95 degrees of

freedom at 0.01 level of probability.

The null hypothesis was rejected.

The relationship between the concerned variables was statistically

significant at 0.01 level of probability.

Based on the above finding, it was concluded that education of the famers had

significant positive relationship with the adoption of mushroom cultivation. That

is, higher the education higher the adoption. Education is a powerfl.il variable that

influence farmers to adopt mushroom cultivation.

4.3.3 Relationship between adoption of mushroom cultivation and their

family size

Relationship between family size and adoption of mushroom cultivation was

determined by Pearson's product moment correlation coefficient.

The coefficient of correlation between family size and adoption of mushroom

cultivation was presented in Table 4.12. The coefficient (r) of correlation between

the concerned variables was found -0.175. The following observations were made

on the basis of the value of correlation coefficient between the two concerned

variables of the study under consideration.

a. The relationship showed a negative trend between the concerned variables.

54

The observed value of "r" (-0.175) between the concerned variables was

found to be smaller than the tabulated value (r = 0.19 1) with 95 degrees of

freedom at 0.05 level of probability.

The null hypothesis could not be rejected.

The relationship between the concerned variables was not statistically

significant at 0.05 level of probability.

Based on the above finding, it was concluded that family size of the famers had no

significant relationship with the adoption of mushroom cultivation.

4.3.4 Relationship between adoption of mushroom cultivation and their mushroom cultivation knowledge

Relationship between mushroom cultivation knowledge and adoption of

mushroom cultivation was determined by Pearson's product moment correlation

coefficient.

The coefficient of correlation between mushroom cultivation knowledge and

adoption of mushroom cultivation was presented in Table 4.12. The coefficient (r)

of correlation between the concerned variables was found 0.504. The following

observations were made on the basis of the value of correlation coefficient

between the two concerned variables of the study under consideration.

The relationship showed a positive trend between the concerned variables.

The observed value of "r" (0.504) between the concerned variables was

found to be greater than the tabulated value (r = 0.249) with 95 degrees of

freedom at 0.01 level of probability.

The null hypothesis was rejected.

The relationship between the concerned variables was statistically highly

significant at 0.01 level of probability.

55

Based on the above finding, it was concluded that mushroom cultivation

knowledge of the famers had highly significant positive relationship with the

adoption of mushroom cultivation. Three-fifth (60.82%) of the respondents had

medium knowledge on mushroom cultivation and 16.50 percent of them had high

knowledge. They had scope to increase their knowledge through short training. So,

the correlation test justifiably showed positive and significant relationship between

knowledge and adoption. That is, if knowledge is increased adoption of mushroom

cultivation is also supposed to be increased.

4.3.5 Relationship between adoption of mushroom cultivation and their belief

about mushroom

Relationship between adoption of mushroom cultivation and belief about

mushroom was determined by Pearson's product moment correlation coefficient.

The coefficient of correlation between belief about mushroom and adoption of

mushroom cultivation was presented in Table 4.12. The coefficient (r) of

correlation between the concerned variables was found 0.548. The following

observations were made on the basis of the value of correlation coefficient

between the two concerned variables of the study under consideration.

The relationship showed a positive trend between the concerned variables.

The observed value of "r" (0.548) between the concerned variables was

found to be greater than the tabulated value (r = 0.249) with 95 degrees of

freedom at 0.01 level of probability.

The null hypothesis was rejected.

The relationship between the concerned variables was statistically highly

significant at 0.01 level of probability.

56

Based on the above finding, it was concluded that belief about mushroom of the

famers had highly significant positive relationship with the adoption of mushroom

cultivation. Belief is not knowledge. Most of the beliefs are continued as prejudice.

When belief is scientifically verified then it come knowledge. But in the study a

Quranic belief was used, which was learned in mushroom training session. The

respondents respected Quranic belief from the core of their heart and influenced

them to adopt mushroom cultivation. The correlation test justifiably showed highly

significant positive relationship.

4.3.6 Relationship between adoption of mushroom cultivation and their

neighbourhood influence

Relationship between neighbourhood influence and adoption of mushroom

cultivation was determined by Pearson's product moment correlation coefficient.

The coefficient of correlation between neighbourhood influence and adoption of

mushroom cultivation was presented in 'fable 4.12. The coefficient (r) of

correlation between the concerned variables was found 0.572. The following

observations were made on the basis of the value of correlation coefficient

between the two concerned variables of the study under consideration.

The relationship showed a positive trend between the concerned variables.

The observed value of "r" (0.572) between the concerned variables was

found to be greater than the tabulated value (r = 0.249) with 95 degrees of

freedom at 0.01 level of probability.

The null hypothesis was rejected.

The relationship between the concerned variables was statistically highly

significant at 0.01 level of probability.

57

Based on the above finding, it was concluded that neighbourhood influence had

highly significant positive relationship with the adoption of mushroom cultivation.

4.3.7 Relationship between adoption of mushroom cultivation and their length

of training

Relationship between length of training and adoption of mushroom cultivation was

determined by Pearson's product moment correlation coefficient.

The coefficient of correlation between length of training and adoption of

mushroom cultivation was presented in Table 4.12. The coefficient (r) of

correlation between the concerned variables was found 0.535. The following

observations were made on the basis of the value of correlation coefficient

between the two concerned variables of the study under consideration.

The relationship showed a positive trend between the concerned variables.

The observed value of "r" (0.535) between the concerned variables was

found to be greater than the tabulated value (r = 0.249) with 95 degrees of

freedom at 0.01 level of probability.

The null hypothesis was rejected.

The relationship between the concerned variables was statistically highly

significant at 0.01 level of probability.

Based on the above finding, it was concluded that length of training had highly

significant positive relationship with the adoption of mushroom cultivation.

Training increases courage and enable the farmers to do new or complicated

fanning activities. As mushroom cultivation is new as well as unknown to the

farmers' community, the found study revealed the truth that length of training is a

significant attribute for adoption of mushroom cultivation.

58

4.3.8 Relationship between adoption of mushroom cultivation and their

cosmopoliteness

Relationship between cosmopoliteness and adoption of mushroom cultivation was

determined by Pearson's product moment correlation coefficient.

The coefficient of correlation between cosmopoliteness and adoption of mushroom

cultivation was presented in Table 4.12. The coefficient (r) of correlation between

the concerned variables was found 0.115. The following observations were made

on the basis of the value of correlation coefficient between the two concerned

variables of the study under consideration.

a. The relationship showed a positive trend between the concerned variables.

The observed value of "r" (0.115) between the concerned variables was

found to be smaller than the tabulated value (r = 0.191) with 95 degrees of

freedom at 0.05 level of probability.

The null hypothesis could not be rejected.

b. The relationship between the concerned variables was not statistically

significant at 0.05 level of probability.

Based on the above finding, it was concluded that cosmopoliteness of the famers

had no significant relationship with the adoption of mushroom cultivation. May be

farmers of Sadar Upazila were more habituated to visit their district town than the

other upazilas as they are living near the proper area.

4.3.9 Relationship between adoption of mushroom cultivation and their

extension contact

Relationship between extension contact and adoption of mushroom cultivation was

determined by Pearson's product moment correlation coefficient.

The coefficient of correlation between extension contact and adoption of

mushroom cultivation was presented in l'able 4.12. The coefficient (r) of

correlation between the concerned variables was found 0.206. The following

observations were made on the basis of the value of correlation coefficient

between the two concerned variables of the study under consideration.

The relationship showed a positive trend between the concerned variables.

The observed value of "r" (0.206) between the concerned variables was

found to be greater than the tabulated value (r = 0.191) with 95 degrees of

freedom at 0.05 level of probability.

The null hypothesis was rejected.

The relationship between the concerned variables was statistically

significant at 0.05 level of probability.

Based on the above finding, it was concluded that extension contact of the famers

had significant positive relationship with the adoption of mushroom cultivation. It

means that higher extension contact of the farmer were likely to have more

adoption of mushroom cultivation.

4.3.10 Relationship between adoption of mushroom cultivation and their

organizational participation

Relationship between organizational participation and adoption of mushroom

cultivation was determined by Pearson's product moment correlation coefficient

The coefficient of correlation between organizational participation and adoption of

mushroom cultivation was presented in Table 4.12. The coefficient (r) of

correlation between the concerned variables was found 0.066. The following

observations were made on the basis of the value of correlation coefficient

between the two concerned variables of the study under consideration.

c. The relationship showed a positive trend between the concerned variables.

The observed value of "r" (0.066) between the concerned variables was

found to be smaller than the tabulated value (r = 0.191) with 95 degrees of

freedom at 0.05 level of probability.

The null hypothesis could not be rejected.

d. The relationship between the concerned variables was not statistically

significant at 0.05 level of probability.

Based on the above fmding, it was concluded that organizational participation of

the famers had no significant relationship with the adoption of mushroom

cultivation.

61

CHAPTER 5

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS AND

RECOMMENDATIONS

This chapter deals with the summary of findings, conclusions and

recommendations of this study.

5.1 Summary of Findings

5.1.1 Characteristics of the farmers

Age

The young aged mushroom farmers comprised the highest proportion (62.98

percent) followed by middle aged category (31.96 percent) and the lowest

proportion were made by the old aged category (5.15 percent).

Educational level

Farmers under 'primary education category constituted the highest proportion

(29.90 percent) compared to 25.77 percent can sign only category, 19.59 percent

secondary level and 13.40 percent illiterate level category. On the other hand the

lowest 11.34 percent belonged to above secondary level category.

Family size

The small family size constituted the highest proportion (70.10 percent) of the

farmers followed by 22.68 percent with medium family size and the lowest 7.22

percent large family size.

Mushroom cultivation knowledge

The farmers having medium knowledge in mushroom cultivation constituted the

highest proportion (60.82 percent) followed by low knowledge in mushroom

cultivation (22.68 percent) and high knowledge in mushroom cultivation (16.50

percent).

Belief about mushroom

The medium belief holder constituted the highest proportion (47.42 percent) of the

respondent followed by 43.30 percent with low belief holder and only 9.28 percent

were large belief holder farmers.

Neighbourhood influence

The highest proportion (50.51 percent) of the respondents had low neighbourhood

influence, while 42.27 percent and 7.22 percent of the respondents had medium

and high neighbourhood influence respectively.

Length of training

Among the farmers, 56.70 percent of the respondents were in medium length of

training group while 26.80 percent of them had low length of training and

remaining 16.50 percent had high length of training group.

Cosmopoliteness

The highest proportion (66 percent) of the mushroom farmers had medium

cosmopoliteness as compared to 25.80 percent of low cosmopoliteness and 8.20

percent had high cosmopoliteness.

Extension contact

The farmers having medium extension media contact category constituted the

highest proportion (65.98 percent) followed by low contact (20.62 percent) and

high contact category (13.40 percent).

63

Organizational participation

The highest proportion (57.73 percent) of the mushroom farmers had no

organizational participation while 35.05 percent had low organizational

participation and only 7.22 percent had medium organizational participation.

5.1.2 Adoption of mushroom cultivation

The highest proportion (60.82 percent) of the respondents had low adoption of

mushroom cultivation, while 27.84 percent had medium adoption and the rest

11.34 percent had high adoption of mushroom cultivation in the study area.

5.1.3 Relationship between adoption of mushroom cultivation and their selected characteristics

Education, mushroom cultivation knowledge, belief about mushroom,

neighbourhood influence, length of training and extension contact had significant

positive Relationship with the adoption of mushroom cultivation. Cosmopoliteness

and organizational participation had non-significant positive Relationship with the

adoption of mushroom cultivation. On the other hand, age and family size had

non-significant negative Relationship with the adoption of mushroom cultivation.

5.2 Conclusions

Conclusions drawn on the basis of the fmdings of this study and their logical

interpretation in the light of the other relevant factors are furnished below:

The major portion (88.66 percent) of the trained farmers had low to medium

adoption of the study area. Therefore, it may be concluded that there is a need

to increase the rate of adoption of mushroom cultivation by the trained farmers.

A countable portion (39.17 percent) of the farmers was either illiterate or could

sign only and 29.90 percent of the farmers had completed merely primary

education. But there existed a positively significant relationship between

farmers' education and their adoption of mushroom cultivation. Therefore, it

may be concluded that, only highly educated farmers adopted mushroom

cultivation. There is a necessary to educate and motivate less educated farmers

by the concerned authority.

A great majority (83.50 percent) of the farmers had low to medium knowledge

on mushroom cultivation, while there had a very strong positive significant

relationship between mushroom cultivation knowledge and their adoption of

mushroom cultivation. Therefore, it may be concluded that, low knowledgeable

farmers adopted less mushroom cultivation and with the increase of knowledge

level of the farmers tends to increase their extent of adoption. The respondents

need more training for more knowledge on mushroom cultivation. So, there is

an urgent necessary to call the trained farmers in the training centre again.

An overwhelming portion (90.72 percent) of the farmers had low to medium

belief about mushroom cultivation, while there had a very strong positive

significant relationship between belief about mushroom and their adoption of

mushroom cultivation. Therefore, it may be concluded that, farmers having

higher belief were adopted more mushroom cultivation.

A great majority (83.50 percent) of the farmers had low to medium length of

training, while there had a very strong positive significant relationship between

length of training and their adoption of mushroom cultivation. Therefore, it

may be concluded that, low trained farmers adopted less mushroom cultivation

and with the increase of length of training of the farmers tends to increase their

extent of adoption.

65

6. A great majority (86.58 percent) of the farmers had low to medium extension

contact, and there was a positive significant relationship between farmers'

extension contact and their adoption of mushroom cultivation. Therefore, it

may be concluded that, with the increase in extension contact of the farmers

tends to increase their extent of adoption.

5.3 Recommendations for policy implications

Recommendations based on the findings and conclusions of the study are

presented below:

A great majority (88.7 percent) of the farmers had low to medium adoption of

mushroom cultivation. All the sample farmers were more or less trained in

mushroom cultivation. But their extent of adoption was not satisfactory.

Therefore, it may be recommended that NMDEC and DAE should take

necessary steps to increase the adoption of mushroom cultivation in the study

area.

Education of the farmers had significant positive relationship with their

adoption of mushroom cultivation. Therefore, it may be recommended that,

adult education should be provided to the farmers through training wing of

DAE so that they could increase their educational level which might be helpful

to increase their adoption of mushroom cultivation.

Knowledge on Mushroom cultivation had significant positive relationship with

their adoption of mushroom cultivation. Therefore, it may be recommended

that, NMDEC should provide (i) more training, (ii) publish posters and leaflets,

(iii) show video films, (iv) arrange method demonstration for skill development

and (v) arrange result demonstration in the farm house.

66

Length of training had significant positive relationship with their adoption of

mushroom cultivation. Therefore, it may be recommended that, DAE and

different NGOs should conduct more training programs that would make the

farmers more skilled to adopt various new convenient technologies on

mushroom cultivation. And also recommended that duration of mushroom

cultivation training should be increased.

Extension media contact had significant positive relationship with their

adoption of mushroom cultivation. Therefore, it may be recommended that,

extension service providers as well as other parties should increase their

contact with farmers so that the belief and neighbourhood influence of farmers

could increase. Because belief, attitude and neighbourhood influence are pre-

conditions for adoption of mushroom cultivation. So, government should take

necessary steps to improve the above characteristics of the farmers.

5.3.1 RecommendatiOn for further study

This study investigated adoption of mushroom cultivation by the trained farmers of

Faridpur district. As a small and limited research has been conducted in the present

study cannot provide much information related to this aspect. Further studies

should be undertaken to cover more information in the relevant matters. So the

following suggestions were put forward for further research:

I. The present study was conducted only in five villages of sadar upazila under

Faridpur district. Findings of the study need further verification through

similar research in other parts of the country.

2. It is difficult to determine the extent of adoption by the farmers on mushroom

cultivation. Measurement of adoption of the farmers is not free from

67

questions. More reliable measurement of concerned variables is necessary for

further study.

The study investigated the relationship of eleven characteristics of the irained

farmers with their adoption of mushroom cultivation. So it is recommended

that further study would be conducted with other dependent and independent

variables.

Research should be undertaken on the effectiveness of agricultural extension

services and other related organizations in helping farmers for adoption of

innovations.

I

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79

Appendix-A. English version of the interview schedule

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION AND INFORMATION SYSTEM

S1IER-E-BANGLA AGRICULTuRAL UNIVERSITY

DFIAKA 1207

An interview schedule lbr a research study entitled

"Adoption of Mushroom Cultivation by the Trained Farmers of Faridpur District"

Serial No.........................

Nameof the respondent: ............................................................................................................................

Village..........................................Upazilla. ................................................Distric...................................

[Please provide following information I

I. Age 1-low old are you? ....................................years

2. Education State your level of education? Give tick (\ ) mark against appropriate place/fill in the

blanks

Cannot read and write. Can sign only. I passed......................Class.

3. Family size I low many members do you have in your flimily? ...................... flOS.

)

80

4. Mushroom Cultivation Knowledge

Please answer the following questions about Mushroom cultivation

SI. Questions

No. JWhat is

_______ mushroom?1.

2. What varieties of mushroom do you cultivate?

j_.. Mention the importance of mushroom cultivation

4 Mention the medicinal values of mushroom - Mention nuintional values olrnushrooni State the types of food that are made of mushroom.

State the water management procedure of mushroom.

I 8. Mention the name of three insects that infest mushroom. -

How to cut spawn packet? What are the elements of straw spawn packet!

II. I-low man> times mushroom can be collected from each spawn

Full Marks marks I obtain

What are the criteria for selection of good spawn packet? Mention one variety of mushroom for winter, summer and year

round each.__________- _______________ __________- What criteria should he taken to carry mushroom spawn packets to

Jhr way? IS. 1 Mention the appropriate time of mushroom harvesting?

5. Relief about mushroom

Please indicate the degree ob your belielahout mushroom?

Statements

Mushroom is good for diabetic

pttient

Mushroom controls blood pressure

Mushroom increases body energy

Mushroom increases disease

resistance

Mushroom is recognized is

'Mannah" i.e.. b'ullv "halal

Greeks believed that mushrooms

provided strength lbr warriors in

battle. ).

mq ;trong Moderaie Weak Ver weak

belief I belief I belief beleil

Neighborhood influence

Flow much your neighbors have influenced you in adoption of mushroom cultivation?

Please give tick ( ) mark against appropriate degree oliniluence of each statement

tie ii in the box he low:

Statements Extent of influence

High Medium j Weak Very weak '

\iv neighbors are very much innovative and their -

activities are imitable

My neighbors frequently visit to my house a

advice me to adopt mushroom cultivation.

IN neighbors ask me to participate in group

discussions about Mushroom cultivation.

Nis neighbors successfully conducted result

demonstration of mushroom cultivation

Extension worker gives much value to my neighbors

My neighbors help me managing necc.sary inputs

for me.

M neighbors have more knowledge about

mushroom cultivation

My neighbors visit my house, observe my

mushroom cultivation activities and give me

necessary suggestions.

My neighbors are good decision makers F

My neighbors kecp good contact with extension

personnel

Length of training

I low many days did you take your training about mushroom cultivation?

days

82

Cosmopoliteness

I-low frequently do you visit in the lollowing selected places? Give (\) tick mark against

appropriate place

Nature of visit Place of visit

Not ai all Rarely Occasionallyf Of enly

Nlushrooni cultivation center

Other villages outside own village

Nearby market outside own village

Own upazi I Ia sadar

other upazilla sadar

Own district town

Other district town

Extension contact

Please indicate the extent olvour contact with the following media.

extent olvisit C onnunicution

I \J)c niedia

Ni ushrooni development officer Assistant

I nd i vi dna I Mushroom Contact development

officer Model niushroom cultivator Agricultural Extension Oflicer Sub Assistant Auriculturc Officer Result demonstration

Group Group Contact discussion

Farmer's Traiitin____ held day

Reiiularlv OfienlvOccasionallvj Rarely Not at

- all

> 6 5-6 3-4 1-2 times!' 0 time/ times/year times/year times/year year year

> 9 I 7-9 4-6 1-3 times! 0 time! times/year times/year times/year year year

-i > 6 5-6 3-4

I 0 time!

times/month times/month times/month times/

month I month

>6 5-6 r

3-4 1-2 times! 0 tinic/

times/month times/month times/month month month

> 6 5-6 3-4 1-2 times! 0 time1

times/month itirrieshnonfli times/month month month

> 6 times in 5-6 3-4 times in 0 time' 1-2 times life times in life life in lilb year

Once in a Once! Once! Once! C) time!

month I 2 months 3 months - 4 months 6 months

> 6 times in 5-6 34 times in 1-2 times 0 timc.• life times in life life in life year

> 6 times in 5-6 3-4 times in 1-2 times I C) time./ life times in IiIèI life in life 1 year

83

agricultural. related programs on

Daily

- Viewing

Tv Listenin"

Weekly Fortniglitly Monthly I

I year

Agril related Daily Weekly Fortniglitly Monthly

0 time/ I

program on year

radio Readin"

contact agricultural p

0 time! related Daily Weekly Fortniglitly Monthly

year ,

penodicals /niagazine ____________ - I I3ooklctileafleL

I reading o time/ material Daily Weekly Fortnightly Monthly

related to year

agriculture

10. Organizational participation

Please state your nature of participation with the Following organization. Please tick (\)

inarlc against right place

SI Name of - Nature of participation Duration

No organization No OrdinaryF utive President

participation member ber

I i FarnieN

co-operative

2 l3azar

committee

3 Mosque ./Mandir

committee

4 School

committee

5 - Othefs (if any)

9

84

II. Adoption of mushroom cultivation

a. Number of spawn

How many spawn do you use for mushroom cultivation? Give tick (- ) mark against

appropriate place

25-50 spawn packets 51-75 spawn packets 76-100 spawn packets Above 100 spawn packets

b. Mushroom cultivation experience

Please indicate how many years are you cultivating mushroom?

Below 1 year 1-2 years 34 years Above 4 years

Thank you very much for your kind collaboration

Dated: Signature of the interviewer

Appendix-B. Correlation Matrix

Charaeters X1 L X., X7 XS X9 XII) I V

, Px .070 1 ______

-.189

___ -.121 1

-.057 374** - .217*

.092

.159 .084

-.077 .200* 1 .175 339** X(I

.352" - _.223* .070 .119 .240* .430" 348** I

XK -.006 .177 .275" -.001 .182 -.018 .127

-.255 1 .041 .422** .061 .100 -.034 -.005 .358** 1

X10 0.181 J .444" -.127 .218* .300** _.046 .015 .080 _-.014

V - -0.086 J

0.302" _-0.175 0.504" 0.5" 48[ " 0.572 Ø•535** 0.115 I_0.206* 0.066

X1: Age

X4: Mushroom cultivation knowledge

X7: Length of training

X : Organizational participation

X: Education

X: Belief about mushroom

Cosmopoliteness

Adoption ol' mushroom cultivation

X: Family size

X: Neighborhood influence

X9: Extension contact

jry

86