An analysis on technology adoption by mango Gowers in Konkan region of Maharashtra

Introduction

Mango (Mangifera indica), popularly known as the "King of Fruits," holds immense economic and cultural significance in India. The country leads global mango production, contributing nearly 40 per cent of the world's total output. However, despite this dominance, India's share in global mango exports remains relatively modest due to high domestic consumption, logistical constraints, and stringent international trade regulations. In this context, understanding the production and technology adoption aspects of mango cultivation becomes crucial for enhancing productivity and export competitiveness. Mango is the national fruit of India and exhibits a strong production profile. According to the National Horticulture Board (2023), India produces about 20.87 million tonnes of mangoes from an area of 23.46 lakh hectares, accounting for 44.01 per cent of global mango production. In the Konkan region of Maharashtra, Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth (DBSKKV), Dapoli, since its establishment in 1972, has been actively engaged in comprehensive and multidisciplinary research on mango cultivation. The university's research focus has largely been on rice and major horticultural crops, particularly mango, cashew, and coconut, which dominate the region. As a result of sustained research efforts, DBSKKV has developed and released several mango varieties, namely Ratna, Sindhu, Konkan Ruchi, Alphonso, Suvarna, Konkan Raja, and Konkan Samrat. Among these, Alphonso is a world-famous variety, widely cultivated in the Konkan region, and has been awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) tag. Other varieties such as Ratna, Sindhu, and Konkan Ruchi are also popular and cultivated for specific purposes. In addition, the university has recommended more than 50 production and protection technologies for mango cultivation. In this context, it is imperative to assess the extent of adoption of these recommended mango technologies by growers in the Konkan region of Maharashtra.

Methodology

The present study was conducted in the Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Raigad, and Thane-Palghar districts of the Konkan region of Maharashtra during 2023-24. A total sample of 120 mango growers was selected using a multistage sampling technique. Twenty-four villages were selected from twelve tahsils, and five mango growers were selected randomly from each village. The extent of technology adoption was measured using the Technology Adoption Index (TAI).

Analytical Tools 2.1.1 Technology Adoption Index

The Technology Adoption Index (TAI) for the selected mango growers was computed using the following formula Where, n = No. of technologies in mango AXi = Actual use of selected technology. www.extensionjournal.com RXi = Recommended use of selected technology. The Technology Adoption Index (TAI) for each sample farmer was calculated for all technologies, and then the selected sample farmers were classified into three Groups i.e. low adopters, medium adopters, and high adopters. The classification was carried out using the arithmetic mean and standard deviation criteria as 1. Category I (low adopters) = less than AM -SD. 2. Category II (moderate adopters) = (AM -SD) to (AM + SD) 3. Category III (high adopters) = greater than AM + SD.

Where, AM -Arithmetic mean of technology adoption index of all the farmers. SD -Standard deviation of technology adoption index.

Results and Discussion

Distribution of Sample Mango Growers

The comprehensive Technology Adoption Index (TAI) of each sample farmers were worked out and the distribution of selected mango growers was done according to technology adoption index (TAI). The distribution of sample farmers on the basis of technology adoption is given in Table 1. The technology adoption index for all the selected mango growers was worked out as per methodology and they were classified into three categories, viz., low adopters (<58.26% TAI), medium adopters (58.26 to 71.95% TAI) and high adopters (>71.95% TAI). On the basis of technology adoption level, sample mango growers were grouped into three categories viz., low adopters that was 21 (17.5%), medium adopters 84 (70%) and high adopters 15 (12.5%). It was observed that, the majority of farmers had medium adoption level of mango production technologies. Hence efforts should be made to increase the extent of adoption of mango production technology to higher level.

2 Distribution of farmers adopting various production technologies in mango

The information regarding the distribution of mango grower adopting various technologies in mango is given in Table 2. showed relatively lower adoption rates. The least adopted technology was observed in intercropping (26.67%), it was adopted by only 32 farmers (26.67%)

Extent of Adoption of Selected Technologies in Production of Mango

Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli has given number of technologies for cultivation of mango. The information on the extent of selected group of technologies adopted by farmers is depicted in Table 3. www.extensionjournal.com

Conclusion

The present study examined the extent of adoption of recommended mango production technologies among growers in the Konkan region of Maharashtra using the Technology Adoption Index approach. The results revealed that the overall level of technology adoption was moderate, with an average adoption index of 65.10 per cent. A majority of the mango growers (70.00%) belonged to the medium adopter category, indicating partial adoption of recommended technologies rather than their complete and efficient use. The study further showed that technologies such as improved mango varieties, fertilizer management, insect-pest management, and disease management achieved complete adoption among all the respondents. High adoption levels were also observed for harvesting practices, planting of local varieties for pollination, and foliar application of plant growth regulators. In contrast, relatively low adoption was recorded for intercropping, orchard rejuvenation, and integrated nutrient management, suggesting the presence of technical, financial, and informational constraints in adopting these practices.

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