Adoption of niger production technologies: Behavioral patterns and constraints

Abstract

Niger (Guizotia abyssinica) is an important minor oilseed crop cultivated predominantly under rainfed conditions in tribal and resource-poor regions of India. Despite its adaptability to marginal soils and low input requirements, the productivity of niger remains far below its potential due to low adoption of improved production technologies. The present study was undertaken to assess the adoption behaviour of farmers and to identify the major constraints influencing the adoption of recommended niger production technologies demonstrated through Front Line Demonstrations (FLDs). The investigation was conducted during 2023-24 to 2024-25 in selected villages of Ramgarh district, Jharkhand. A total of 120 beneficiary farmers were selected using random sampling, and primary data were collected through a pre-tested structured interview schedule. Adoption levels were measured using a scoring technique and categorized into low, medium, and high adoption based on mean and standard deviation. The results revealed that a majority of the respondents (54.16%) belonged to the low adoption category, followed by medium (35.00%) and high (10.84%) adoption categories. Higher adoption was observed for simple and low-cost practices such as timely harvesting, use of high-yielding varieties, and recommended seed rate, whereas adoption of input- and knowledge-intensive practices like seed treatment, biofertilizer application, line sowing, and plant protection measures remained low. The major constraints perceived by farmers were non-availability of quality seeds, high cost of fertilizers and diesel, weed infestation (Cuscuta spp.), and inadequate market facilities. The study concludes that strengthening extension support, improving input availability, and addressing market and resource-related constraints are essential for enhancing the adoption of improved niger production technologies and bridging the existing yield gaps.