Transfer of technology on pulses and oil seed cultivation in the Onattukara tract of Kerala

Abstract

The study on the transfer of technology of pulses and oilseeds was undertaken to find out the extent of adoption of improved technology among the crops- sesamum and cowpea – cultivated in the Onattukara tract of Kerala. It was also envisaged to study of the factors contributing to adoption and constraints in the adoption of improved practices of cultivation. The investigation was conducted among two groups of farmers. A total of 150 farmers, from 15 panchayats formed the sample. Five panchayats, each were selected from the three taluks, viz., Karunagappally, Karthikappally and Mavelikara which constitutes the Onattukara region. Data were collected, by using a structured interview schedule, during the months, December 1988 and January 1989. The important findings of the study were the following: The extent of adoption of different improved practices vary among farmers. Majority of the farmers adopted the correct seed rate. But only a few farmers adopted plant protection measures in sesamum and rhizobium culture treatment and lime application in cowpea. None of the sample farmers adopted full package of practices. Farmers reported “other farmers” as the main source of farm information. The other important sources of information in the order of importance were newspapers, radio, relatives and friends, agricultural demonstrators, fertilizer dealers and agricultural officers. Regarding infrastructure facilities, the major gaps farmers perceived were, lack of adequate availability of seeds, high cost for fertilizers and pesticides, lack of timely and adequate availability of plant protection equipments in good condition, high labour charges and labour inefficiency and lack of adequate and timely availability of labourers. Scientific orientation, Information source utilization, Infrastructure facilities, knowledge, perception and Attitude towards improved practices were found to be positively and significantly related with extent of adoption of practices in cowpea and sesamum. But in the case of cowpea, education status and risk orientation also were found to be positively and significantly correlated with extent of adoption of practices. The results of path analysis indicated that in the case of sesamum indirect effect of the selected variables (which were significantly related with extent of adoption), were mainly routed through the variable “knowledge level of farmers”. The maximum direct effects was also by the same variable. In the case of cowpea, the indirect effect of the selected variables, were mainly routed through information source utilization. The maximum direct effects on extent of adoption was also by this variable. Lack of timely and adequate availability of inputs, High cost of inputs, unfavourable climate, lack of knowledge about recommended practices, high labour charges and incidence of pests and diseases were the main constraints perceived by the farmers. They suggested solutions laying out like; timely and adequate supply of inputs, demonstration plots, improved varieties with high yield potential that can thrive climatic variations and proper price policies: to overcome the constraints in adopting improved farm technologies.