Overcoming Orobanche Challenges: A Study of Knowledge and Adoption of Management Practices among FCV Tobacco Farmers in Andhra Pradesh, India

Abstract

This study aims to assess the level of knowledge and adoption of Orobanche management practices among FCV tobacco farmers in Andhra Pradesh. The survey was conducted in twenty-four villages of two mandals, involving a total of 240 respondents. Data was collected by personnel /telephonic interview method through semi structured interview schedule designed for the study. Statistical tools viz., frequency, percentage, Friedman's two-way ANOVA and regression analysis were used in the data analysis. Results show that 72% of farmers have low level of knowledge and low level of adoption (70%) orobanche,. Although most farmers are familiar with the symptoms of Orobanche infestation, implementation of management strategies such as crop rotation and use of resistant varieties is still limited. High labour wages, availability of labour, lack of knowledge on means of spread orobanche, poor phyto sanitary measures and physical removal of orobanche after flowering were the major constraints for management of orobancheThis research indicates an urgent need for more intensive outreach and training programs to increase adoption of appropriate management practices. Tobacco Board, ICAR-CTRI, and Trade should initiate efforts for fostering the adoption of integrated Orobanche management practices It is hoped that these findings can encourage policies that focus more on educating farmers to increase sustainable tobacco production.