Assessing perception of disease-free planting materials of citrus amongst farmers of Vidarbha region of Maharashtra, India

Farmers’ perception of agricultural technology is an important factor in determining the adoption of that technology. As citrus fruit being an input intensive perennial crop, the technology of good quality disease-free planting material becomes a crucial factor in determining the longevity of citrus orchards. Hence the precursor to adoption of this technology, that is, farmers’ perception of disease-free planting materials of citrus developed by the premiere research institute of citrus, ICAR-Central Citrus Research Institute (ICAR-CCRI), Nagpur was assessed by the authors in this study. The locale of study was Vidarbha region of Maharashtra, India with sample size of 150 (n=150). For measuring perception a 4 point Likert type scale was developed. Items related to the perceived attributes of a technology were incorporated. Mean Perception Score (MPS) and descriptive statistics were used to assess the perception. Farmers perceived CCRI planting materialsto be initially costly (Affordability) but of high quality developed through scientific protocols (MPS=3.65, Rank 1). According to their perception, the planting materials had no problem in adapting to the local environment (Compatibility) and farmers’ field conditions (MPS=3.64, Rank 2), were relatively advantageous (Relative Advantage) (MPS=3.56, Rank 3) in terms of better yield, high quality and less recurring cost involved in controlling disease pest attack, were predictable and trustworthy(Predictability) in nature due to brand value of ICAR-CCRI(MPS=3.1, Rank 4) with58.66% farmers agreeing to the statement. Complexity and trialability of CCRI planting materials ranked 5th and 6th in perception score. However, they perceived that availability of CCRI planting materials was scarce and cost was slightly higher but the disease-free quality of planting material was the very reason they trusted the institute’s technology and have adopted it. Government of India in similar line has lunched the Clean Plant Program to provide a boost to the institute’s disease-free planting material technology.