A study on the information networking structure of adopters and non-adopters of Pusa Mustard-30 variety

Abstract

Mustard is the second most important oilseed crop in India, with mustard oil being a favoured cooking choice, especially in northern India, due to its health benefits and distinctive pungency. However, traditional mustard varieties contain over 40 percent erucic acid, which has been associated with various health risks. To address the need for improved nutritional quality, the ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute in New Delhi developed Pusa Mustard-30, a variety with less than 2 percent erucic acid, making it a much healthier option for consumers. This study analyses the information networking structure of both adopters and non-adopters of the Pusa Mustard-30 variety, using a sample of 160 farmer households from Baghpat (U.P.) and Jhajjar (Haryana). The study identified the sources from which farmers received information about the PM-30 variety. It was found that 35% of the information came from