ENHANCING ADOPTION OF AGRO FORESTRY IN THE NORTH WESTERN AGRO ECOLOGICAL ZONE OF TAMIL NADU

Abstract

The present study was undertaken in North Western Zone of Tamil Nadu, to analyze the factors determining the agro-forestry and problems faced by them in adoption of agroforestry practices. Primary data were collected through a pre-structured questionnaire from a sample of 300 respondents who were selected using multi-stage random sampling technique. Data analysis was done by using simple percentages, Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) multiple regression analysis, perception index and weighted score method. Most of the farmers in study area have positive perception towards adoption of agroforestry practices. The goal of this study was to determine the characteristics that influence the adoption of agroforestry by small and marginal farmers. Crop diversification, Increasing soil fertility, Improve soil and water conservation, Long time taken to get income from forestry, high returns and Reduce chances of crop failure were the major motivational factor, whereas small landholding size, lack of awareness and poor knowledge, poor market accessibility, lack of subsidy, credit facility, lack of good quality planting material and longer gestation period of trees were the major problems faced by the farmers in the study area. Thus, study suggested that farmers can be encouraged to practice agroforestry through improved mobilizing farmers to join groups, improving the quality and coverage of extension services, consideration of gender issues and intensifying agro forestry training among farmers with low levels of education groups and distribution of quality planting material to farmers.