Awareness and Constraints in the Adoption of Integrated Pest Management Technology among Chickpea Growers of Rajasthan, India

Aims: This research aims to analyze and explore the level of awareness and constraints in adoption among the chickpea growers following IPM technology. Study Design: A descriptive and exploratory research design was utilized in this study. Place and Duration of Study: This research, conducted during 2016–20, was confined to Zone Ib comprising of Sri Ganganagar and Hanumangarh districts of Rajasthan. Methodology: Guided by experts of Central Integrated Pest Management Centre (CIPMC) and the Agricultural Research Station (ARS), Sri Ganganagar, and considering the availability of IPM farmers, a sample size of 30 was finalized. Researchers identified 30 chickpea farmers practicing IPM technology and collected primary data by using structured schedules. Secondary data, especially the recommended IPM practices for chickpea for the zone, was sourced from the same institutions. The multistage stratified sampling method and Probability Proportionate to Size (PPS) method were followed to ensure the sample's representativeness. The study assessed farmer awareness of 14 key IPM components using a three-tiered awareness scale and analyzed constraints in IPM adoption using Kendall's W statistic. Results: The study revealed a very high level of awareness (100%) in water management as well as neem-based formulations among the chickpea growers. Growers’ awareness regarding other IPM components varied, and was especially low in pest-defender ratio (20%) and economic threshold level (10%). It also explored key constraints in adoption in IPM technology which included: scarcity of skilled labour, unavailability of essential inputs like traps, biofertilizers and bio-pesticides, lack of knowledge about ETL and the perceived complexity of IPM itself. Conclusion: These findings highlight the urgent need for interventions, including regular training to IPM farmers and improved access to the necessary resources, to accelerate the dissemination of the technology in an effective manner.