Background: As the backbone of the Indian economy agriculture continues to be the main sector driving the Indian economy. India's GDP is 17 per cent derived from agriculture, while 60 to 70 per cent of the population is employed in this sector. In agriculture, pesticides have been the primary method of pest control since the early 1950s to manage pest organisms such as insects, fungi, weeds, and nematodes. Recently, the application of pesticides in cumin farming has surged dramatically, and this situation has considerable implications for negative effects on human health, the environment, and overall biodiversity since cumin is one of the major spice crops grown in India.
Methods: The data gathering utilized a semi-structured schedule
conducted via personal interview method for both cumin farmers and agri-input
dealers. The research employed a non-probability sampling technique for primary
data collection. The study was carried out in the region of Dhrol taluka in
Jamnagar district. The gathered data were analyzed through several analytical
methods, such as tabular analysis, Pearson Chi-square test, Garrett's Ranking
Technique, and Weighted Average Mean.
Finding: The results demonstrate that the predominant group of
respondents were middle-aged individuals who had a primary level of education.
The majority of the farmers possessed land holdings varying from 1 to 2.5
hectares, and within this group, the portion of land allocated for cumin
cultivation was smaller than 1 hectare. These farmers possessed an average of
21 to 30 years of farming experience. The majority of farmers mainly depended
on farming as their profession, with some also participating in animal
husbandry. Regarding annual earnings, most farmers generated between 1 to 5
lakh rupees. The study indicated that Price was the main factor affecting the
decision to buy pesticides, with Quality and Brand name following. The lack of
access to credit facilities was recognized as a significant issue faced by
farmers, along with the elevated costs of inputs. Among the promotional
efforts, Demonstration was identified as the most impactful in pesticide
purchasing choices, with Farmer meetings coming next. For agri-input dealers,
the primary challenges faced were Low margins, Increasing costs, and High
competition.
Conclusion: The study highlighted the demographics and
characteristics of farmers and dealers involved in the agricultural sector. It
also identified key factors influencing the purchase of insecticide,
promotional activities used by agri-input companies and the problems faced by
farmers and dealers in the process.
Author
(s) Details
Raj R. Vasoya
International Agribusiness Management Institute, Anand Agricultural
University, Anand, India.
Dilip R. Vahoniya
Department of Agri. Entrepreneurship & Project Management,
International Agribusiness Management Institute, Anand Agricultural University,
Anand, India.
Alvira Rajwadi
International Agribusiness Management Institute, Anand Agricultural
University, Anand, India.
Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/crpas/v7/3926
