An analysis of sustainable cultivation practicies followed by sugarcane growers in Karnataka

Abstract

The present study entitled An analysis of sustainable cultivation practices followed by sugarcane growers in Karnataka was conducted in the year 2005-06 in Belgaum and Bagalkot districts of Karnataka with a sample of 180 respondents. The expost-facto research design was used for the research study. Knowledge test was developed to measure the knowledge of respondents about sustainable cultivation practices in sugarcane. The study revealed that both knowledge and extent of adoption of respondents were at moderate level. Cent per cent of the respondents had knowledge about preparing land into ridges and furrows, selecting setts from main crop, FYM in soil helps to increase nutrient availability and water holding capacity, mulching reduces evaporation rate and weeds and chemical tool of IPM. Majority had no knowledge regarding vermicompost and biofertilizer (Azotobacter/Azospirillum). Majority had adopted inorganic manures, deep tillage to incorporate left over debris, dipping setts in 0.1 carbendazim and planting disease free setts. Majority had medium technological gap (62.77%) and favourable attitude (65.00%) towards sustainable cultivation practices. Education, management orientation, extension contact and achievement motivation of respondents had significant relationship with knowledge and extent of adoption. The regression analysis revealed that the selected independent variables put together explained 39.42 and 43.18 per cent variation in knowledge and adoption, respectively. The step-down analysis indicated that farming experience, attitude, extension contact and organizational participation had significant contribution in variation of knowledge and adoption. Around 50.00 per cent respondents had middle age, primary and middle school education, medium land holding and farming experience. Whereas, medium level in risk orientation, management orientation, achievement motivation, innovative proneness, deferred gratification and favourable attitude. Majority had awareness about Sugarcane Factory Extension Offic