Analysis of farmer’s behavior for bio-pesticides in Hyderabad-Karnataka: A case in Ballari and Koppal districts

Repeated exposure to agro-chemical pesticides may increases the pesticide accumulation in food chain and adversely affect on human and environment. Hence, part of farming community shifting from chemical inputs to bio-inputs. In this regard, this study was conducted to know the extent of awareness, usage pattern, product differentiation, factors affecting and purchase pattern of bio-pesticides in Ballari and Koppal districts in Karnataka state. The data pertaining to this study was collected with the help of pre-tested questionnaire during the agricultural year 2018. The results of the study indicated that, the training programmes conducted by the Scientists of College of Horticulture, Munirabad provided the information on usage of bio-pesticides to farming community to the maximum extent (40.67%) followed by Agricultural Officers (18.26%). Many of the crop plants are prune to soil borne diseases and this factor made farmers to opt for bio-pesticides to maintain sustain soil health. Sixty for per cent of the respondents differentiate the product with the help of brand name and followed by symbol (25.83%). Majority of respondents (70.83%) opinioned that bio-pesticides are easily available as market network is well established. Majority of farmers purchase the bio-pesticides after sowing as many farmers are using bio-pesticides for perennial crops. The study also specified that, there is vast scope for the sellers to deliver the product at door steps of farmer’s field as telemarketing is an emerging market.