Author(s): J. W. HAOBIJAM, BALKHO R. MARAK, REDE G.D and T.K.MANDAL

Abstract: The present study was conducted with an objective to study the socio-economic characteristics of farmers practicing paddycum- fish cultivation in low lying paddy field of Manipur. This study was conducted on 120 farmers in four village’s viz. Wabagai, Hiyanglam, Laphupat, Khoidum under Kakching block of Thoubal district. It was aimed to analyse the socio-economic characteristics of the widespread practice of paddy cum fish cultivation system in low lying paddy fields of Manipur. The study was undertaken during December 2015 to February 2016 and the data pertain of the year 2015. In the present study data was generated through sample survey of farmers by personal interview method using pretested well-structured interview schedule. Random sampling was adopted for the selection of the respondents. The finding of the study reported that the farmers engaged in paddy-cum-fish cultivation have the following parameters with majority of age group showing 36-50 years (65%), general category (65%), nuclear family (60%), family size as above 5 members (85%), education as middle school (25%), occupation as cultivation (48.33%), operational land holding as up to 1 acre (42.50%), housing type as kutcha House (70%), farm power possess of traditional agricultural implements (67.50%), farm material possession as bullock cart & cycle (45%), social participation of member of more than one organization (37.5%), mass media exposure as radio (79.17%), personal cosmopolite with panchayat (45.83%), personal localities with village leaders (40%), medium cost of inputs (between mean ±S.D), (50%) had low level of scientific orientation and (60%) had a medium level of risk orientation The study concludes with the remark that understanding socio-economic characteristic of the farmer practicing paddy-cum-fish cultivation can help the extension agents to closely work with the farmers and develop strategies to improve their practices.

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