Socio-economic profile and constraints faced by the farmers in adoption of integrated pest management (IPM) practices in Chümoukedima district of Nagaland

Abstract

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a sustainable pest management strategy that emphasizes long-term prevention and suppression of pest problems with minimal impact on the environment, human health, and non-target organisms (Flint et al., 2003). It reduces reliance on chemical pesticides while improving crop yield, quality, and profitability (Mauceria, 2004), thereby contributing to ecological balance and sustainable agricultural development. The present study was conducted purposively in Chümoukedima district of Nagaland. Dhansiripar block was selected, and five villages were chosen purposively. From each village, 20 farmers were randomly selected, constituting a total sample of 100 respondents. The study aimed to examine the socio-economic characteristics of farmers and identify the constraints faced by them in the adoption of IPM practices. The findings revealed that 66.00 per cent of the respondents were middle-aged (35–55 years), and 80.00 per cent were male. A majority (87.00%) were married and 82.00 per cent had education up to primary–middle level. Farming was the main occupation for 88.00 per cent of the respondents. Most (62.00%) belonged to medium-sized families, and 84.00 per cent lived in nuclear family systems. About 52.00 per cent resided in semi-pucca houses, while 66.00 per cent had marginal landholdings (<1 ha). More than half (52.00%) reported annual income above ?1,00,000, and 87.00 per cent had a medium level of material possession. The majority exhibited medium levels of social participation (80.00%), information source utilization (79.00%), risk orientation (78.00%), and scientific orientation (75.00%). Additionally, 77.00 per cent had attended training programmes conducted by various organizations. Among the constraints identified, the high cost of inputs, particularly seeds and fertilizers, emerged as the major barrier in adopting IPM practices. The study suggests that timely institutional support and cost-reduction measures are essential to address these constraints and strengthen sustainable pest management practices in the study area.