FARMERS’ AWARENESS AND UTILIZATION OF BIOTECHNOLOGY ON VEGETABLES PRODUCTION

Abstract

This study was designed and conducted to determine the extent of farmers’ awareness and utilization of biotechnology in Talavera. This study was conducted at Barangay Campos and Bornay in Talavera, Nueva Ecija Province, the Philippines using a descriptive research design. The samples were chosen randomly. The media sources of the farmers’ in accessing information about biotechnology and farm-related activities were mostly leaflets, flyers, colleagues, and family members. The farmers’ concept of biotechnology was basically upgraded or new varieties of crops that are being developed and produced. They also defined it as a new farming system or new kinds of fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides. The most planted crops in the barangays were eggplants and tomatoes as well as string beans. In this study, water management and insect management and fertilizer application were the three technologies that the respondents were most aware of most utilized in their farms. In addition, the most prominent problem that they encountered were the pests and insects that damage or destroy their crops rendering a portion of their harvest unfit to be sold in the market. Furthermore, the hypothesis stating that there was no relation between the selected socio-economic profile, communication characteristics, and their level of awareness regarding existing biotechnologies were rejected. Finally, there is no relationship between the selected level of awareness regarding the existing biotechnologies of the respondents and their utilization.