Technology Adoption in Broiler Farming-A Methodical Study among the Broiler Farmers of Sonitpur District of Assam

The study undertaken is an attempt to investigate and analyse the level of technology adoption across different size groups of broiler farms in Sonitpur district of Assam during 2011-12. The study was conducted with a sample of 100 numbers of broiler farms using specially designed pre-tested schedules and questionnaires through personal interview with the respondent farmers. Sampling design followed for the study was stratified random sampling design. The results of the study reveal that the entire sample followed scientific rearing and management practices right from housing and feeding to utilization of equipments to medication and vaccination, with some deviation from the recommendations. However, large sized farms were more technology oriented than the small farms. In terms of adoption of recommended stocking density, vaccination, utilization of equipments etc. the level of adoption is satisfactory for the entire sample, while in regard to housing, utilization of litter and lime, feeding and nutrition, large sized farms were close to recommendation than the smaller farms. Financial self-sufficiency, education, exposure to the outer world, decision making capacity etc. were the factors that determined the level of adoption of recommended technologies by the broiler farmers. Lack of proper training and awareness along with poor financial condition stood as a hinder for the small sized farms in adopting scientific rearing practices while large sized farms with sound financial condition and good awareness adopted scientific rearing practices as per recommendations.