Technological knowledge of soybean growers regarding broad bed furrow technology

Broad Bed Furrow (BBF) technology is an important climate-smart land configuration technique that improves soil moisture conservation, drainage, and resource-use efficiency in rainfed agriculture. The present study was undertaken to assess the technological knowledge of soybean growers regarding BBF technology in the Marathwada region of Maharashtra. An ex-post facto research design was adopted, and primary data were collected from 300 soybean growers (150 BBF adopters and 150 BBF non-adopters) selected through a multistage sampling procedure using a pre-tested structured interview schedule. Technological knowledge was assessed using a structured knowledge test, and the data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and Z-test. The findings revealed that a majority of both BBF adopters (59.33%) and non-adopters (72.67%) belonged to the medium level of technological knowledge. However, BBF adopters recorded a significantly higher mean knowledge score (10.48) than non-adopters (6.29), with a mean difference of 66.70 per cent (Z = 20.445, p < 0.01). Among the individual knowledge statements, the highest awareness among adopters was observed regarding seed saving under BBF (92.67%), use of furrows for irrigation water conveyance (86.00%), and improved field drainage (82.67%). The study concludes that exposure to BBF technology through training, demonstrations, and extension activities significantly enhances farmers' technological knowledge. Strengthening extension interventions and capacity-building programmes can further improve farmers' knowledge and promote the wider adoption of BBF technology among soybean growers.