Adoption rate of crop nutrition and protection chemicals in South-Western Zone of Punjab

Abstract

It is estimated that crop yields would be approximately half of their current levels without the use of insecticides, fungicides and herbicides. So, the investigation was carried out in South-Western Zone (Faridkot district) of Punjab state during 2016-17 to know the extent of adoption of various crop nutrition and protection chemicals. From 2 blocks 3 villages were randomly selected; 20 respondents from each village were randomly selected thus making a sample size of 60 respondents for the study. Among Crop Nutrition, Neem coated Urea and Diammonium Phosphate adoption quotient were 100. Among Pesticide/Insecticide category, Thiamethoxam 25% WG adoption quotient was highest as it controls wide range of pests from stem borer to brown plant hopper (BHP). Among fungicide Mancozeb 63% W.P. + Carbendazim 12% W.P. combination was used to control Brown leaf spot of Rice and Late Blight of Potato and its adoption quotient was maximum among the fungicide i.e. 56.67. In herbicide/weedicide category Glyphosate 41% SL adoption quotient was highest among the weedicide i.e. 85 as it controls all kind of weed. Although, department of Agriculture, Punjab issued an order on October 23, 2018 that the glyphosate herbicide would be banned in the state due to its adverse health effects.