Farmers’ Knowledge About Potato Cultivation and Their Perception of Agricultural Extension in Disseminating Sustainable Agricultural Practices in Saudi Arabia

The current study assesses farmers’ knowledge of land preparation for potato planting, potato crop inputs and production practices, healthy, high-quality, and disease-free potato seeds, and their perceptions of agricultural extension services. A stratified random sample of 262 potato farmers from Hail, Qassim, Tabuk, Riyadh, and Al-Jawf was selected according to the Yamane equation. The number of completed and validated questionnaires was 231. Findings revealed that the majority of respondents have strong knowledge of land preparation for potato planting, potato crop production practices, and the selection of healthy, high-quality, and disease-free potato seeds. Moreover, the majority of farmers agreed with the role of agricultural extension in disseminating knowledge of sustainable agricultural potato cultivation practices. Farmers’ age and education level significantly influenced their knowledge of selecting healthy, high-quality, and disease-free potato seeds. Farming experience significantly influenced knowledge of land preparation for potato planting, crop inputs, production practices, and high-quality potato seeds. Monthly farm income and income from potato farms significantly influenced farmers’ knowledge of land preparation for potato planting, potato crop inputs, production practices, and healthy, high-quality, and disease-free potato seed selection. Regarding agricultural extension services, education level, monthly farm income, and income from potato crops influenced farmers’ perceptions of their effectiveness in disseminating information about sustainable agricultural practices. Moreover, the findings of multiple regressions indicate that farmers’ income from potato farms affects their knowledge of land preparation and healthy, high-quality, and disease-free potato seeds. Farming experience and income from potato farms significantly affect farmers’ knowledge of crop inputs and production practices. Education and monthly farm income affect farmers’ perceptions of agricultural extension services. The study emphasizes the need for educational programs, training, and workshops under the supervision of the Agricultural Extension Department to enhance farmers’ knowledge of sustainable potato cultivation practices. The government should provide subsidized advanced agricultural technologies in the study area, thereby enhancing crop production and livelihoods. Support from the government and the extension department would help reduce potato imports and the economic burden by improving local potato production.