Technological gap in adoption of recommended herbicides in soybean

Abstract

This study investigates the technological gap in adoption of recommended herbicide in soybean growers in Akola district, Maharashtra. Through an exploratory research design involving 120 purposively selected farmers across Akola and Barshitakli tahsils of Akola district, the study analyzed knowledge, technological gap, constraints, and correlates of technological gap. Results revealed that 96% of respondents had moderate to high knowledge towards adoption of recommended herbicidal application practices in soybean crop. The majority (53.83%) of the respondents had low level category of technological gap followed by 44.17 per cent respondents had medium category of technological gap while 33.33% reported high level of technological gap in adoption of recommended herbicidal practices in soybean. However, marketing gaps and compatibility issues with herbicides limited its full adoption. Education, annual income, land holding, area under soybean crop, scientific orientation and knowledge significantly influenced adoption. The findings underline the need for targeted extension and market strategies.