KNOWLEDGE AND ADOPTION OF RECOMMENDED PACKAGE OF PRACTICES OF PADDY CROP THROUGH EXTENSION CONTACTS BY TRIBAL FARMERS

India is a country of villages where 72.22% population resides in villages and approximately by half of the gross national income comes from agriculture and agro based industries. Agriculture alone contributes 22% GDP and provides livelihood to almost two third of the population. India is the second largest producer of rice in the world and ranks first in area but 35th in productivity (The Hindu Survey of Indian Agriculture 2006:39). The socio-economic status of tribal farmers can be increases by raising their rice production. Therefore, there is a need to plan and take up massive extension activities with dedicated efforts for their upliftment. The present study is an effort in this direction by developing suitable, sustainable and strong extension contacts for the tribal farmers. The study was undertaken in 10 villages in surguja district.