INFORMATION NEED ASSESSMENT OF WATERMELON GROWERS IN CHENGALPATTU DISTRICT OF TAMIL NADU

Abstract

Agricultural information enabled farmers to make informed decisions on crop production and resource management. The present study was conducted during 2025-2026 in Chengalpattu district of Tamil Nadu to assess the information needs and preferred communication modes of watermelon growers. Chithamur block and three villages, namely Nallamur, Kattudevadur and Polambakkam, were purposively selected for extensive watermelon cultivation. A total of 120 watermelon growers were selected through simple random sampling, 40 from each village. Primary data were collected using a pre-tested structured interview schedule, and percentage analysis, ranking technique and the Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test were used for data analysis. Growth regulation and ripening management, nutrient management, seed treatment, irrigation and moisture management, transplanting, spacing and varietal selection emerged as the highest priority information needs, and a majority of growers (66.67%) recorded a medium level of overall information need. The Kruskal Wallis test showed no significant difference in information needs among marginal, small and large farmers (chi-square = 0.555, p = 0.758). A combined audio-and-video mode was preferred for most cultivation practices, ranging from 60.00 to 80.00 per cent, while image-based communication was preferred for spacing and marketing information. Demand-driven, technology-enabled extension services could substantially improve farmers' information access and technology adoption.