Research article · 2024 · Full text
International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social DevelopmentAdoption behaviour of farmers towards Natu tobacco production technology in Rajahmundry block in east Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh
Volume 7(8) · Pages 438–441 · DOI: 10.33545/26180723.2024.v7.i8g.964 ↗
Research areasAgricultural Economics and PracticesLivestock Management and Performance ImprovementSocial and Economic Development in India
Abstract
Author-writtenAgriculture plays a vital role in India's economy, contributing significantly to GDP and employing nearly half the workforce. In Andhra Pradesh, the Natu tobacco variety is of notable economic importance. This study examines the adoption behavior of farmers towards Natu Tobacco Production technology in Rajahmundry Block, East Godavari District, using a descriptive survey method involving 120 respondents. The socio-economic profile reveals a predominance of middle-aged farmers (60%) with basic education (46.67%), alongside diverse caste and family structures and predominantly small landholdings. The study found that while 47.50% of respondents show moderate adoption of the technology and 30.84% demonstrate high adoption, 21.66% have low adoption levels, indicating limited use of production technology. Factors such as age, education, landholding size, and economic status affect adoption, with high extension contracts being crucial for disseminating agricultural innovations. The findings highlight the need for targeted interventions, including customized training and resource support, to overcome barriers and enhance adoption rates, thereby contributing to the advancement of sustainable farming practices and agricultural development.
Summary
Source-checkedPlain-language reading of the full paper, prepared with AI and checked against the text. Each point links to the authors' own words.
Why it matters
- Tobacco is economically significant in India, and Andhra Pradesh is a primary producer of the Natu variety. View evidence ↗
- The Central Tobacco Research Institute (CTRI) is central to improving tobacco cultivation practices in India. View evidence ↗
- Adopting CTRI-recommended technologies, including integrated pest management and high-yielding varieties, is necessary to improve sustainability and productivity. View evidence ↗
The question
- The study aims to understand the adoption behavior of farmers regarding Natu tobacco production technology to identify influencing factors and barriers. View evidence ↗
What they did
- The researchers used a descriptive research design focused on the Rajahmundry Block in the East Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh. View evidence ↗
- The sample consisted of 120 respondents, with 24 randomly selected from each of five purposively chosen villages. View evidence ↗
- Data was gathered through personal interviews using a structured schedule and analyzed with SPSS 16 software. View evidence ↗
What they found
- The majority of surveyed farmers were middle-aged (60%) and had a middle school education (46.67%). View evidence ↗
- Overall adoption levels were moderate for 47.50% of farmers, high for 30.84%, and low for 21.66%. View evidence ↗
- Tobacco harvesting machines saw the highest full adoption rate in the post-harvest category at 50%. View evidence ↗
- Crop rotation methods were fully adopted by 45.83% of the respondents. View evidence ↗
- Caste (r=0.922), education (r=0.869), and age (r=0.862) showed the strongest positive correlations with adoption behavior. View evidence ↗
What it means
- The authors conclude that customized training and resource support are needed to overcome barriers and increase technology adoption. View evidence ↗
- The study concludes that the typical Natu tobacco farmer in this region is middle-aged, moderately educated, and economically challenged. View evidence ↗
Visual summary
3 visualsIllustrations explain the paper; charts are replotted from the paper's own table values.
Adoption Level Distribution
AI-generated conceptual illustration (tobacco plants in a field). It explains the idea and does not show study data.
View source evidence ↗
Percentage: Low (30 - 35) vs Medium (36 - 40) vs High (41 - 45)
Replotted from Table 3 (page 3) of the original paper. Every bar is the paper's own table value.
View source evidence ↗
Correlation Coefficient (r): Age vs Education vs Caste vs Family Size vs Family Type
Replotted from Table 4 (page 4) of the original paper. Every bar is the paper's own table value.
View source evidence ↗Figures & tables
From the original paper
Table 1
Table 2
Table 3
Table 4
Figure 1Introduction
Agriculture is a cornerstone of the Indian economy, contributing significantly to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employing nearly half of the Indian workforce. Among various crops, tobacco holds substantial economic importance, with Andhra Pradesh being a major producer, particularly of the Natu variety. This traditional variety, known for its distinctive flavor and quality, is predominantly grown in the East Godavari district. The region's unique agro-climatic conditions, including soil type, temperature, and rainfall patterns, make it ideal for Natu tobacco cultivation, which is highly valued in the market for products like bidis. The Central Tobacco Research Institute (CTRI) in Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh, plays a crucial role in advancing tobacco cultivation practices in India. As part of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), CTRI focuses on crop improvement, pest and disease management, soil and water conservation, and sustainable agricultural practices. These efforts have significantly enhanced Natu tobacco production technology, improving both productivity and quality. The adoption of modern agricultural technologies recommended by CTRI, such as high-yielding varieties and integrated pest management, is essential for increasing crop productivity and sustainability. Understanding the adoption behavior of farmers towards Natu tobacco production technology is vital for several reasons. It helps identify the factors that influence farmers' decisions to adopt or reject new technologies, the barriers they face, and the socio-economic factors affecting their ability to implement these practices. This knowledge aids in developing targeted interventions to promote best practices, enhancing productivity and sustainability in Natu tobacco farming. Additionally, insights from such studies can guide similar agricultural research in other regions, contributing to the broader field of agricultural extension and technology adoption.
Locale of Study
The research is conducted in the Rajahmundry Block of East Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh, a region prominent for its agricultural activities and tobacco cultivation. East Godavari spans approximately 10,807 square kilometers, bordered by Visakhapatnam, West Godavari, and the Bay of Bengal. Rajahmundry Block's fertile soils and favourable climate make it ideal for diverse crop cultivation, including Natu tobacco. The area's tropical climate, characterized by hot summers, mild winters, and monsoon rains, supports robust agricultural productivity. The socio-economic profile of the farming community here includes small, marginal, and medium-scale farmers, with a relatively high literacy rate aiding in the adoption of new agricultural practices.
Sampling and Sampling Procedures
Selection of District: The research is conducted in Andhra Pradesh, specifically choosing East Godavari district due to the maximum area under Natu tobacco cultivation and researcher's familiarity with local customs and language, which facilitates accurate data collection.
Selection of Block: Rajahmundry Block is selected through purposive sampling due to maximum area coverage of Natu tobacco cultivation and for its active engagement in agricultural training programs related to Natu tobacco production. Selection of Villages: Five villages-Pedapudi, Dowleswaram, Rajanagaram, Seethanagaram, and Korukonda-are chosen purposively based on maximum area under Natu Tobacco Cultivation. From each village, 24 respondents are randomly selected, totalling 120 respondents for the study.
Methods of Data Collection
Data is collected using a pre-tested, structured interview schedule. Each respondent is interviewed personally, and their responses are recorded. The collected data is categorized, tabulated, and analyzed using SPSS 16 software, with results presented in tables for clarity and effectiveness.
Results and Discussion
Results and Discussion
Socioeconomic profile of the respondents
Socioeconomic profile of the respondents
Adoption of Natu Tobacco Production technology by the respondents
The level of adoption of Natu Tobacco Production technology by the respondents, was obtained on threepoint continuum scale viz. Fully Adopted, Partially Adopted, Not Adopted with respective scores 3,2,1 and the data have been presented in, The table represents the distribution of respondents based on their level of adoption of Natu Tobacco Production technology across various activities. The activities are categorized into four sections: Farming Practices, New Technology, Management Practices, and Post-Harvest Technology. For each activity, the table shows the percentage of respondents who fully adopted (FA), partially adopted (PA), or did not adopt (NA) the specified practices. The percentages reflect how prevalent each practice is among the respondents. It shows 45.83% of respondents fully adopted crop rotation methods, while 20.83% did not adopt this practice at all. The data shows that a significant portion of respondents has embraced practices like using bio-fertilizers, precision agriculture, and integrated farming systems, although a considerable percentage also remain hesitant or only partially adopt these technologies. In the Post-Harvest Technology section, the data reveals a strong inclination towards the adoption of tobacco harvesting machines, with 50% of respondents fully adopting them. Similarly, the priming method of harvesting and the use of mechanical dryers are also widely accepted, with adoption rates ranging from 41.67% to 45.83%. On the other hand, there is still some reluctance in adopting newer practices like precision agriculture and stalk cutting methods, where a significant percentage of respondents are either only partially adopting or not adopting these practices at all. Overall, the table suggests that while there is a positive trend toward the adoption of new technologies and practices, there remains a portion of respondents who are either resistant or slow in integrating these advancements into their farming activities. Similar findings also reported by Narayanaswamy (2017) [8] .
Overall, adoption of Natu Tobacco Production technology by the respondents
Respondents' Overall, adoption of Natu Tobacco Production technology by the respondents on the basis of total score the respondents were divided into three categories namely -Low, Medium and High and frequency has been given in Table 3. [6] . The table shows the correlation between various independent variables and the respondents' adoption behavior of respondents towards Natu Tobacco Production Technology. The correlation coefficients (r) indicate that all variables have a positive relationship with attitude, with caste (r = 0.922), education (r = 0.869), and age (r = 0.862) having the strongest correlations, suggesting these factors significantly influence respondents' attitudes. Other factors like family size, family type, and landholding also show strong positive correlations, indicating their influence on the adoption decision. Overall, higher values in these variables generally correspond to a more favorable towards adopting the technology.
| Level of Adoption | Frequency | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Low (30 - 35) | 26 | 21.66 |
| Medium (36 - 40) | 57 | 47.50 |
| High (41 - 45) | 37 | 30.84 |
| Total | 120 | 100.00 |
Table text extracted from the original PDF; superscript letters are shown inline. The original table image is below.
View original table image
Conclusion
It is concluded that the socio-economic profile of Natu tobacco farmers in Rajahmundry Block, revealing that a majority are middle-aged, moderately educated, and economically challenged with small landholdings and nuclear families. Although 47.50% of respondents exhibit moderate adoption of Natu Tobacco Production Technology, significant portions either fully adopt or lag behind in embracing modern agricultural practices. The association analysis reveals strong positive correlations between adoption behavior and key variables such as caste, education, and age, underscoring the critical role these factors play in influencing the adoption of sustainable farming technologies.
Figures and tables from the paper
| Category | Sub-Category | Frequency | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age | Young (<35) | 28 | 23.33 |
| Middle (36-55) | 72 | 60.00 | |
| Old (>55) | 20 | 16.67 | |
| Education | Illiterate | 10 | 8.33 |
| Primary School | 22 | 18.33 | |
| Middle School | 56 | 46.67 | |
| High School | 15 | 12.50 | |
| Intermediate | 12 | 10.00 | |
| Graduate and above | 5 | 4.17 | |
| Caste | General | 30 | 25.00 |
| OBC | 35 | 29.17 | |
| SC | 22 | 18.33 | |
| ST | 33 | 27.50 | |
| Family Size | Small (up to 4 members) | 65 | 54.17 |
| Medium (5-8 members) | 41 | 34.17 | |
| Large (above 8 members) | 14 | 11.67 | |
| Family Type | Nuclear | 85 | 72.83 |
| Joint | 35 | 29.17 | |
| Housing Pattern | Mud House | 15 | 12.50 |
| Semi Cemented | 40 | 33.33 | |
| Cemented | 65 | 54.17 | |
| Landholding | Marginal (<1 ha) | 40 | 33.33 |
| Small (1 to 2 ha) | 60 | 50.00 | |
| Medium (2 to 4 ha) | 15 | 12.50 | |
| Large (>4 ha) | 5 | 4.17 | |
| Occupation | Agriculture | 30 | 25.00 |
| Agriculture + Labour | 70 | 58.33 | |
| Agriculture + Business | 8 | 6.67 | |
| Agriculture + Service | 12 | 10.00 | |
| Annual Income | < 1 Lakh | 40 | 33.33 |
| 1 Lakh - 2 Lakh | 72 | 60.00 | |
| > 2 Lakh | 8 | 6.67 | |
| Extension Contacts | Low (10-12) | 32 | 26.67 |
| Medium (13-15) | 25 | 20.83 | |
| High (16-18) | 63 | 52.50 | |
| Source of Information Utilized | Low (11-18) | 35 | 29.17 |
| Medium (19-25) | 55 | 45.83 | |
| High (26-32) | 30 | 25.00 |
Table text extracted from the original PDF; superscript letters are shown inline. The original table image is below.
View original table image
| S. No. | Activities | FA (f, %) | PA (f, %) | NA (f, %) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | Farming Practices | |||
| 1 | Following any Crop Rotation Method | 55(45.83) | 40(33.33) | 25(20.83) |
| 2 | Willing to use any Latest varieties | 45(37.50) | 50(41.67) | 25(20.83) |
| 3 | Prefer Organic farming for your Crop | 40(33.33) | 35(29.17) | 45(37.50) |
| 4 | Following Integrated Farming System | 50(41.67) | 45(37.50) | 25(20.83) |
| B | New Technology | |||
| 5 | Thinking to Adopt Precision Agriculture | 30(25.00) | 50(41.67) | 40(33.33) |
| C | Management Practices | |||
| 6 | Using Bio-fertilizers on your crop | 45(37.50) | 55(45.83) | 20(16.67) |
| 7 | Protecting crop by Mulching | 50(41.67) | 40(33.33) | 30(25.00) |
| 8 | Using Bio-pesticides on your crop | 40(33.33) | 50(41.67) | 30(25.00) |
| D | Post - Harvest Technology | |||
| 9 | Using Tobacco harvesting Machines | 60(50.00) | 45(37.50) | 15(12.50) |
| 10 | Adopted priming Method of harvesting | 55(45.83) | 40(37.50) | 25(20.83) |
| 11 | Prefers to Mechanical Dryer for your crop | 50(41.67) | 45(37.50) | 25(20.83) |
| 12 | Adopted stalk cutting methods of harvesting | 40(33.33) | 50(41.67) | 30(25.00) |
Table text extracted from the original PDF; superscript letters are shown inline. The original table image is below.
View original table image
| S. No. | Variables | Correlation Coefficient (r) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Age | 0.862 |
| 2 | Education | 0.869 |
| 3 | Caste | 0.922 |
| 4 | Family Size | 0.749 |
| 5 | Family Type | 0.811 |
| 6 | Housing Pattern | 0.783 |
| 7 | Landholding | 0.778 |
| 8 | Occupation | 0.792 |
| 9 | Annual Income | 0.747 |
| 10 | Extension Contacts | 0.819 |
| 11 | Source of Information Utilized | 0.891 |
Table text extracted from the original PDF; superscript letters are shown inline. The original table image is below.
View original table image
References
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