Constraints faced by BT cotton growers in adoption of drip irrigation system and its management practices in Parbhani district of Maharashtra

Abstract

The present study was conducted in Parbhani District of Marathwada region of Maharashtra to find out the various constraints faced by BT cotton growers in adoption of drip irrigation system and its management practices and also seeking suggestions given by BT cotton growers to overcome the constraints. A total number of 120 respondents were selected through purposive sampling from three blocks namely Sailu, Pathri and Jintur. Descriptive research design was followed for the study. Result of the study shows that the constraints faced by Bt cotton growers in adoption of drip irrigation system were lack of funds and financial resources (91.60 percent), lack of knowledge about drip irrigation (82.5 percent) and non- availability of inputs in time (75 percent) followed by problem of small land holding and fragmented land holding (69.16 percent), low literacy rate (61.67 percent), lack of technical guidance (58.34 percent) and lack of access to weather forecasting technology were also reported by considerable number of respondents. While, problem of high initial cost of drip unit, non-availability of subsidies in proper time, inadequate supply of electricity and problem of incomplete knowledge about drip irrigation were considered as minor constraints by the respondents. Suggestions given by majority of the respondents that cost of drip irrigation should be less; there should be regular visit of dealers or suppliers for supervision and evaluation of drip irrigation system, regular guidance and after sale service for maintenance from dealers.