Constraints and suggestions given by horticulture crop growers in adoption of precision farming technologies

Abstract

India, with its vast agricultural fragmented landscape and a growing population, faces significant challenges in meeting the food demands of its people. To address these challenges and ensure sustainable growth in agriculture, the adoption and practicing of innovative farming practices like precision farming becomes crucial. The present study was conducted in Chikkaballapur and Kolar districts of eastern dry zone of Karnataka in the year 2021-2022 to elicit the constraints and suggestions of horticulture crop growers towards precision farming technologies. A sample of 40 tomato, 40 capsicum and 40 rose growers were selected randomly. Thus, making a total sample size of 120 growers. Ex-post facto research design was used. The data was collected by personal interview method with pre-tested interview schedule and data was analysed by using appropriate tools. The findings of the study revealed that, the major production constraints expressed by horticulture crop growers practicing precision farming were occurrence of pest and diseases (Rank I) and scarcity of labour during critical stages (Rank II). Lack of technical know-how regarding precision farming technologies (Rank I) and lack of local expertise (Rank II) were the major technical constraints. In case of financial constraints, high cost of inputs (Rank I) and lack of adequate and timely disbursement of loan (Rank II) were the major constraints. Price fluctuations (Rank I) and exploitation by middle men (Rank II) were the major marketing constraints expressed by the growers. The major suggestions given by the horticulture crop growers were availability of inputs at right time at subsidized rates (Rank I) followed by development of user-friendly technologies (Rank II), availability of improved seedlings at right time (Rank III), creation of grading, cold storage and processing facilities at farm gate level (Rank IV), conducting demonstrations on various precision farming technologies (Rank V), intervention of government in price policy mechanism (Rank VI) and standardization of literature in local language (Rank VII).