Socio-economic determinants and constraints in buying insecticides: Empirical study of farmers in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh

Agriculture continues to be a key sector in the Indian economy, with insecticides playing a crucial role in protecting crops and enhancing productivity. This empirical study, conducted in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh with a sample of 200 farmers, unearths the socio-economic determinants and the constraints farmers face in buying insecticides. Using a descriptive cross-sectional design and multistage random sampling method, data were collected through structured interviews from a representative sample of 200 farmers. The findings revealed that the major five constraints faced by farmers include high prices of insecticides, poor product quality, lack of discounts, fear of adulteration, and limited product availability. These challenges indicate ongoing concerns regarding affordability, authenticity, and access to reliable agricultural inputs. Actionable recommendations of enhancing dealer networks, promoting peer learning, building trust of farmers and ensuring consistent product performance can positively impact farmer decision-making. Simultaneously, addressing key barriers such as pricing, quality assurance, and timely availability is essential to encourage wider adoption and effective usage of insecticides. The insights from this research can inform agrochemical companies, policymakers, and extension services in developing farmer-centric strategies that support sustainable and efficient agricultural practices.