Constraint analysis on utilization bio stimulants bio control products in Palnadu district, Andhra Pradesh

Introduction

The world's rapidly growing population has intensified the need for effective crop pest management to ensure global food security. In India, where agriculture forms the backbone of the economy, employing over 70% of the population and contributing one-third of the nation's income, the pressure to sustain and increase agricultural productivity is immense. The Green Revolution of the 1960s marked a significant milestone in India's agricultural history, focusing on increasing crop yields through highyielding varieties, intensive farming techniques, and the use of chemical inputs such as fertilizers and pesticides. Andhra Pradesh has seen a roughly 55% decrease in the use of pesticides. The amount of pesticides used fell from about 4050 metric tons in 2014-15 to 1808 MT (55%) in 2021-2022(TOI 2023). The use of bio-pesticides, bio-stimulants, organic farming, altered cropping patterns, integrated pest management techniques, and other factors are cited by state agriculture officials as the reasons for the decline over time. As global awareness of the negative impacts of conventional farming practices on biodiversity, human health, and the environment grows, there has been a noticeable shift towards sustainable agricultural practices. This shift is particularly evident in the increasing adoption of biopesticides and bio-stimulants incorporate in farming methods, which offer viable alternatives to chemical inputs.

It is well known that these bio-based inputs can increase crop yields, improve soil health, and reduce the environmental impact of farming operations. This tendency is reflected in the bio-pesticide and bio-stimulant global market, which is expected to increase significantly in the next years In Andhra Pradesh's Palnadu district, a predominantly agricultural region, there has been a decrease in the use of chemical pesticides, attributed to the growing adoption of bio-pesticides, bio-stimulants, and integrated pest management techniques. This shift highlights the district's commitment to sustainable agriculture and the potential for bio-based inputs to play a central role in the region's farming practices. So, through this research, we aim to gain valuable insights into the constraints faced by farmers while utilizing bio pesticides and bio stimulants inputs. By doing so, we can recognize the actual barriers to bio-input product penetration into the market.

Methodology

The study used an ex-post facto research design and was carried out in the Palnadu area of Andhra Pradesh in 2024. The Andhra Pradesh district of Palnadu was specifically chosen for the research. Out of the 28 mandals, five mandals-Rentachintala, Durgi, Dachepalli, Gurazala, and Karempudi-were purposefully chosen based on the mandals that used the most bio-inputs. Ten villages-Adigoppala, Mutukuru, Cherlagudipadu, Pallegunta, Oppicherla, Chintapalli, Nadikudi, Madinapadu, Tummurugodu, and Rentala-were chosen at random from these mandals. For the survey, ten farmers were chosen at random from each hamlet, for a total sample size of 100. The study was conducted in Palnadu district of Andhra Pradesh during the year 2024 and ex-post facto research design was followed for the study. Palnadu district of Andhra Pradesh was purposively selected for the study. Among the 28 mandals, five mandals were selected purposively based on the highest usage of bio-inputs i.e., Rentachintala, Durgi, Dachepalli, Gurazala, Karempudi. From these selected mandals, a total of 10 villages were selected randomly viz., Adigoppala, Mutukuru, Cherlagudipadu, pallegunta, Oppicherla, Chintapalli, Nadikudi, Madinapadu, Tummurugodu, Rentala. Ten farmers from each village were randomly selected for the survey thus making the total sample size of 100. Based on exhaustive review of literature, interaction with bio-input adopting farmers and by taking expert's opinion, a total of 11 statements were listed and farmers were asked to rank their opinions on these statements The constraints were prioritized by adopting Garret's ranking technique. Suggestion was operationally defined as the requirements expressed by the bio-input utilizing farmers in order to fulfil their needs.

Garrett's Ranking Technique

To find out the major constraint faced by the respondent; Garrett's ranking technique was used. The prime advantage of this technique over simple frequency distribution is that the constraints are arranged based on their severity from the point of view of respondents. Hence, the same number of respondents on two or more constraints may have been given different rank.

Garrett's formula for converting ranks into percent is: Percentage position = 100*(Rij -0.5) / Nj Where, R ij = Rank given for ith statement by jth consumer. N j = Total number of constraints ranked After calculating percentage positions their corresponding Garrett values are taken from the Garrett"s ranking table for each rank. Then, for each item the total score and mean score have been calculated based on frequency of rank given to each factor and total number of members. Total score is calculated by multiplying the number of members ranking each constraint by their respective table values. Mean score is calculated by dividing the total score by the number of members. Based on highest mean score, the ranks were given for each item. Garret's ranking scale was used to measure the ranking of constrains faced by farmers in utilization of bio pesticides and bio stimulants in the study.

Results and Discussion

Constraints faced in utilization of bio-pesticides and biostimulants by sample farmers

Suggestions

• Since there are still not many organic farmers and organic input firms, the government should support these industries by creating subsidiaries under programs and initiatives and encouraging organic farming and organic bio inputs.

• The number of bio input retail stores needs to be enhanced in the local areas as the number of synthetic retail stores was higher in the village level than that of bio input retail stores. • Although farmers' understanding of bio control products is growing, it is still in the medium range, which makes using organic inputs more beneficial. • Since farmers are not proficient in application techniques, the government must set up technical help programs for them through extension agencies.

• Producers should do research on bio control products to increase their shelf life, as the shelf life of these products was shown to be inadequate when compared to synthetic pesticides. • The key to raising awareness is promotion, hence using media like television, newspapers, flyers, and advertisements to promote bio products

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