Farmers Purchasing Behaviour, Problems and Preference towards Various Brand of Chlorpyriphos 20% EC Insecticide for Castor Crop in Upleta Taluka of Rajkot District, Gujarat, India

Indian agriculture is vital to the nation’s economy, employing a large portion of the population and contributing significantly to GDP. The sector uses both traditional and modern farming methods, supported by diverse climatic zones suitable for various crops. However, challenges such as small landholdings, erratic monsoons and limited irrigation persist. Pests like stink bugs and armyworms further threaten yields, leading farmers to rely heavily on insecticides like chlorpyriphos 20% EC. A study was conducted in Upleta Taluka, Rajkot, Gujarat, to understand farmers' purchasing behavior and brand preferences. The survey of 200 farmers showed most are small-scale, middle-aged males with low to moderate education and income. Traditional irrigation is common and private dealers are the main source of insecticides. Key factors influencing purchases include price, quality and past experience, while financial constraints and limited credit pose significant challenges. Brand awareness is low, with farmers relying on dealers and peers for information.