Assessing Farmers' Buying Behavior and Challenges in Adopting Organic Fertilizers: A Case Study from Banaskantha District, Gujarat, India

Abstract

The adoption of organic fertilizers in India has seen significant growth, driven by increasing consumer awareness of the environmental impact of chemical fertilizers and government policies promoting sustainable agriculture. This study explores the buying behaviour and challenges faced by farmers in Deesa and Palanpur talukas, Banaskantha district, Gujarat regarding their use of organic fertilizers. Through interviews with 200 farmers, findings reveal that although a majority express strong interest in organic fertilizers, they face significant challenges, including poor efficiency, delayed effects, and limited knowledge of proper use. Understanding these obstacles is crucial for developing policies that promote sustainable agriculture in India. A descriptive research design was employed, utilizing both primary and secondary data. Primary data were collected using a semi-structured schedule, while secondary data were obtained from literature, government publications, and online sources. The sampling method involved purposive selection of farmers with knowledge of organic farming practices from ten randomly selected villages in the two talukas. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Weighted Average Mean method. The results showed that the majority of farmers (53.5%) were in the age range of 36-50 years. Most farmers (48%) had an annual income between Rs. 100,000 and Rs. 500,000, with 44.5 per cent having an education level below SSC. The primary occupation was a combination of agriculture and animal husbandry (54.5%). Land holdings are mostly below 5 acres (49 %), and the main crops are wheat (35.5 %) and potato (27 %). Organic fertilizer is primarily purchased from retail outlets (69 %), with past experience being the most important factor influencing purchases (WAM score 4.800), followed by dealer recommendations (WAM score 4.500). A significant 94.5 per cent of farmers express a strong interest in purchasing organic fertilizers. Challenges include poor efficiency and delay effects of organic fertilizers, along with a notable lack of knowledge on their effective use.  Understanding the socio-economic characteristics, buying behaviour, and challenges faced by farmers in these regions is crucial for developing strategies to promote the adoption of organic fertilizers and contribute to sustainable agriculture in India. The study suggests targeted education and support initiatives to enhance adoption rates and improve the efficacy of organic farming practices.