Drivers of Horticultural Innovation: A Regression Analysis of Farmer Attitudes towards Protected Cultivation Technology in Karnataka, India

Abstract

Protected Cultivation Technology (PCT) plays a role in enhancing the production of high-value horticultural crops in India particularly in regions vulnerable to climate change. This research examined the growth patterns and motivational factors affecting the acceptance of PCT by farmers, in the Kalyana-Karnataka area. Between the years 2010-11 and 2020-21 the overall land dedicated to protected cultivation in Karnataka rose from 61.84 hectares (ha) to 72.46 ha marked by a transition from shade net to polyhouse frameworks growing from 24.34 ha, to 47.45 ha. On a scale the Kalyana-Karnataka region encompassed 286.02 ha with Koppal district showing the greatest uptake (102.71 ha or 35.91 percent). The attitudinal evaluation showed a positive outlook with 87.50 per cent of participants classified as holding either a favourable (54.17 per cent) or more favourable (33.33 per cent) view of the technology. Although the significant upfront cost was seen as the obstacle (Mean: 4.32) advantages like improved resource use, climate resilience and access, to export markets fuelled this optimistic attitude. The multiple regression analysis, showing a coefficient of determination (R2=0.752) demonstrated that the respondents profile attributes explained 75.20 percent of the attitude variation. In particular Management Orientation and Scientific Orientation emerged as significant predictors (P?0.01) whereas Extension Orientation, Risk Orientation and Achievement Motivation were also significant (P?0.05). The findings underscore that psychological and skill-based traits are more critical than socio-economic factors in shaping a farmer’s positive attitude toward the complex management of Protected Cultivation Technology.