Pesticide buying behaviour of the potato growers in Banaskantha district

Abstract

The study was conducted in Banaskantha district of Gujarat state to understand the pesticide buying behaviour of the potato growers by selecting a representative sample of 150 potato growers using multistage random sampling technique. The data regarding pesticide buying behaviour of the potato growers revealed that nearly three-fifths of the potato growers purchased pesticides well in advance at the time of potato planting. The most important sources for making pesticide purchase decision were; farmers' own experience, relatives and friends, pesticide dealers and progressive farmers. Important factors considered by potato growers while purchasing pesticide in descending order were: quality (better control) of pesticide product, attractive packing of pesticide and popularity of pesticide in farming community. Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is one of the important cash crops in Banaskantha district of Gujarat state. Pest and disease infestations are common occurrences in potato cultivation. Potato crop is infested by a variety of fungal, bacterial and viral diseases. As regards pests, some pests attack the foliage while some attacks the tubers. Many of the diseases in potato are soil/seed borne and so once infected is very difficult to control them. Similarly viruses affect the seed quality and so has a chain of implications. Therefore, proper control of pests and diseases is of utmost importance for profitability.