Adoption of recommended cultivation practices by soybean growers

Abstract

The present study was conducted to assess the extent of adoption of recommended cultivation practices by soybean growers. Adoption of improved practices plays a vital role in enhancing productivity, profitability and sustainability of soybean cultivation. The study examined the level of adoption of various recommended practices. A total of 150 soybean growers were selected from fifteen villages in Akola district and data were collected using a structured interview schedule. Despite the availability of scientific recommended practices for soybean cultivation, a substantial gap was observed between the recommended practices and those actually adopted by farmers, resulting in lower productivity and high yield gap. Results indicated that soybean growers showed varying levels of adoption, with higher adoption in basic agronomic practices and lower adoption in scientific and input-intensive practices. The study highlights the need for strengthening extension services, capacity-building programs and timely availability of inputs to improve adoption of recommended cultivation practices among soybean growers.