A study on factors influencing the usage of bioinputs among the curry leaf farmers in Tamil Nadu

Plant extracts, microbial cultures, enzymes, proteins and other biomolecules are used as bioinputs in the cultivation process. This study addresses the environmental and health concerns associated with conventional farming practices, particularly the overuse of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. It explores bioinputs as a sustainable solution to these issues, aiming to promote environmentally friendly farming practices while maintaining crop productivity. The study analyzed the usage of bioinputs among curry leaf farmers in the Karamadai block of Coimbatore district, Tamil Nadu, India. A purposive sampling method selected 90 farmers for the research. Data was gathered through structured interviews and analyzed using percentage analysis, factor analysis and the Garrett ranking technique. The findings revealed that most farmers were aware of and used bioinputs. Factor analysis identified three key elements influencing adoption: product preference, derived benefits and promotional efficacy. The Garrett ranking technique highlighted significant challenges, including unavailability of bioinputs and lack of technical knowledge. Farmers expressed satisfaction with improved market demand for organically produced crops and higher yields due to bioinputs. However, addressing challenges such as inconsistent product quality and slow results is crucial for broader adoption. The study recommends enhancing farmer education, improving local bioinput availability and ensuring consistent product quality to support sustainable farming practices.