Ecology, Environment and Conservation Paper

KNOWLEDGE, ADOPTION, PROBLEMS AND FUTURE OF BIOFERTILIZERS WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO ATHOOR BLOCK - DINDIGUL DISTRICT

Balamurugan, V. and Selvin Jebaraj Normon Sri Paramakalyani

Abstract

In order to avail the benefits from biofertilizers, farmers should adopt the biofertilizers in their fields. The adoption, apart from many other factors largely depends on the knowledge. The present work aims to study the knowledge level, adoption level, problems and future of biofertilizers. Athoor block in Dindigul district was selected for the study. Since the biofertilizers are mainly recommended for paddy and pulses, these two crops were selected for the study. A sample size of 100 with 50 % using biofertilizers was personally interviewed. Almost half of the respondents in both cases had high level of knowledge about biofertilizers. Majority of the respondents had adopted only one biofertilizer and some used more than one biofertilizers with their own interest. Non-availability of biofertilizers in time, lack of conviction, lack of time, difficulty to understand the technology and lack of will to take risk were the major reasons identified for the non-adoption in both cases and to conduct proper field demonstrations, extension programmes, supply in time are the some suggestions. If the farmers realize, they will adopt all biofertilizers makes the future dazzling with opportunities.