Usage and Opinion of Farmers Towards Soil Health Card
Loading...
Date
2018-07
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Agriculture Sciences, Dharwad
Abstract
The present study was conducted in the University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad during 2017-2018 to study the usage and opinion of farmers towards soil health card at Mylavaram and Ibrahimpatnam mandals of Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh. One hundred and fifty farmers formed sample for the study. The primary data about application of plant nutrients by soil health card holders for 2016 and 2017 was collected by using the schedule developed for the study.
The results indicated that utilization of macro nutrients as per recommendation was observed in paddy and black gram. Over utilization of macro nutrients was noticed among sugarcane, cotton and maize. Recommended dosage of gypsum was applied by 64.70 per cent of paddy growers, 53.84 per cent of cotton growers and 55.55 per cent of sugarcane growers in first year and it was increased to 70.59 per cent, 84.61 per cent, 77.78 per cent farmers in second year in paddy, cotton and sugarcane respectively. Increase in per cent of farmers applying lime was noticed in the second year. No significant difference in utilization of macro nutrients and soil amendments was noticed between first and second year after distribution of soil health card with respect to all crops. In micro nutrient application, more than half of the farmers belonged to recommended utilization category in all crops except maize. Significant difference in application of micro nutrients was noticed among paddy, sugarcane and cotton. Paired ‘t’ test showed significant difference in organic manure application in paddy and sugarcane.
Forty seven per cent farmers had favorable opinion towards the soil health card followed by more favorable opinion and less favorable opinion among 28.00 per cent and 25.00 per cent farmers respectively. Delay in distribution of soil health cards to the farmers (68.67 %) and favoritism in provision of input subsidies (56.00 %) were indicated as major constraints in the usage of soil health card by farmers.