Awareness and Adoption Patterns of Biostimulantas among Farmers in Anantapur District: A Study of Narpala Mandal

Abstract

Biostimulants are increasingly used in agriculture because of their role in supporting plant growth, improving nutrient-use efficiency and strengthening crop tolerance to abiotic stress. This study examined the socio-economic profile of farmers, their awareness of biostimulants, their adoption patterns and the factors influencing adoption in Narpala Mandal of Anantapur District, Andhra Pradesh, India. A descriptive research design was adopted. Primary data were collected from 200 farmers cultivating banana, citrus (mosambi), chilli and tomato through personal interviews using a semi-structured schedule under purposive sampling. The collected data were analysed using percentage analysis, the weighted average mean and the Garrett ranking technique. The findings showed that 40.50 per cent of respondents belonged to the middle-age group, 39.00 per cent had primary education and 53.50 per cent lived in small families. Most farmers reported annual incomes above ₹5 lakhs (65.00 per cent), agriculture as their main income source (58.00 per cent), medium landholdings (35.00 per cent) and irrigated farming (75.00 per cent). Awareness of biostimulants was reported by 75.00 per cent of respondents, with agricultural input retailers serving as the main source of information (38.66 per cent). Farmers were most familiar with humic acid and fulvic acid, and 88.00 per cent recognised the role of biostimulants in improving crop growth. Adoption was moderate and was characterised by continued use, crop-specific application and repeated application during the crop season. Garrett ranking indicated that availability was the most important adoption factor, followed by product quality and brand reputation. The study suggests that improved access, practical extension support and farmer-oriented training may strengthen informed adoption of biostimulants in the study area.