Understanding Farmers’ Perceptions Towards the Adoption of Bio-Pesticides in Durg District of Chhattisgarh

Abstract

Biopesticides have emerged as sustainable alternatives to chemical pesticides due to their eco-friendly, target-specific and biodegradable nature. Despite their growing global acceptance, their adoption among Indian farmers remains limited. This study investigates the perceptions and awareness of farmers in Durg district of Chhattisgarh regarding the use of biopesticides. A multistage random sampling method was used to select 100 farmers across 20 villages in two blocks (Durg and Dhamdha). Data were collected using a structured interview schedule and analyzed using percentage analysis, arithmetic mean and Garrett’s Ranking Technique. Results revealed that 76% of farmers still rely solely on chemical pesticides, while only 16% use biopesticides. Key barriers to adoption include limited availability (40%), perceived lower efficacy (21%) and the need for higher doses and management (18%). However, 12% of respondents recognized biopesticides as an emerging and beneficial technology. Among users, 33.33% reported improved yield and quality, while 24% acknowledged higher profitability. Still, 55% of farmers cited high product cost as a major concern. The findings emphasize the need for enhanced awareness, availability and affordability of biopesticides to encourage their wider adoption and support sustainable agriculture in the region.