Author(s):
Dattatray G. Bhalekar, Roaf Ahmad Parray, Indra Mani, Tapan Kumar Khura, Susheel Kumar Sarkar, N V Kumbhare

Abstract:
A study was conducted in the Jalna district of Maharashtra to assess the adoption pattern of spray technology, and safety awareness among grape growers. The respondents were selected through random sampling and data was collected through a structured interview. The study revealed that among marginal landholders (< 1 ha) back-pack type sprayer was mostly in operation with an adoption level of 75%. In small landholders (1-2 ha), horizontal triplex pump (HTP) sprayers with an adoption level of 51.85% followed by tractor-operated air-blast sprayers (40.75%) were prevalent pesticide spraying technologies. More than 2/3rd (76.00%) of medium landholders (2-4 ha) had adopted tractor-operated air blast sprayers. For the application of plant growth regulators, 62.5% of small farmers, 81.8% of medium, and 100% of farmers had adopted electrostatic sprayers. The number of chemical sprays per season varied from 25 to 100, making grapes one of the major pesticide-consuming crops. Capacity, efficiency, cost, and availability of sprayers on a custom hiring basis were the four major factors affecting the adoption of spraying technologies.

Pages: 188-196

Read Full Article