An Empirical Study on Factors Influencing Farmers' Buying Preferences of Agri-inputs in Telangana, India

Abstract

Aims: This study examines various factors influencing farmers’ buying preferences for agri-inputs, particularly between organized and conventional agri-input retail stores. Study Design: Descriptive and analytical study. Place and Duration of Study: Conducted in Telangana state, Moinabad mandal, from April 2025 to June 2025. Methodology: Using a structured questionnaire, the study surveyed 100 farmers equally split between those preferring organized and conventional agri-input retail stores. Descriptive statistics and independent samples t-tests were used to analyze the mean differences in preference and satisfaction levels. Results and Discussion: Farmers preferred organized stores mainly for better stock availability (mean: 4.52), product quality (4.34), and technical guidance (4.28). Additional favourable factors included digital payment facilities (4.20), after-sales support (4.18), and a variety of brands (4.38). On the other hand, preferences for conventional stores centered around accessibility (4.32), established trust (3.84), and flexible credit systems (3.42). A significant difference (p < 0.001) was found in preference scores: organized stores (mean: 4.04) were rated significantly higher than conventional ones (mean: 3.28). Conclusion: The shift toward organized agri-input retail illustrates farmers’ growing preference for professionalism, service quality, and reliability, although conventional stores remain valuable due to personal relationships and rural accessibility.