Formulation and Standardization of a Cognitive-oriented Knowledge Test on Fodder Production and Its Utilization

The present study aimed to develop and standardize a cognitive-oriented knowledge test to assess farmers’ understanding of fodder production and its utilization in the Jammu district. A comprehensive pool of 155 knowledge items covering key domains—fodder scenario, crop selection, cultivation practices, advanced production techniques, preservation methods, feeding practices, government schemes, non-conventional feed resources, and market linkages—was initially generated through literature review and expert consultation. After relevancy screening, 94 items were retained and subjected to item analysis using difficulty and discrimination indices. Based on established statistical criteria, 49 items were finally selected for inclusion in the standardized test, with difficulty index values ranging from 30–80 and discrimination indices between 0.30–0.55. The reliability of the instrument was confirmed using the split-half method (0.85) and the Spearman–Brown prophecy formula (0.91), while internal consistency measured through Cronbach’s alpha was 0.823 (p < 0.05). Content validity was ensured through expert evaluation. The standardized knowledge test provides a scientifically validated tool for systematically measuring farmers’ cognitive understanding of fodder production and utilization practices. Its structured format allows researchers, extension professionals, and training institutions to objectively assess baseline knowledge levels, identify specific knowledge gaps, and evaluate learning outcomes following capacity-building interventions. By administering the test before and after training programs, practitioners can quantitatively measure improvements in farmers’ knowledge and determine the effectiveness of training modules, instructional strategies, and extension approaches. Furthermore, the scale serves as a useful monitoring and evaluation instrument for agricultural and livestock extension services by enabling comparison of knowledge levels across regions, farmer groups, and time periods. Consequently, the standardized test can support evidence-based planning, refinement of extension strategies, and the design of targeted training programs aimed at improving fodder production, feed management, and overall livestock productivity.