High Level Of Adoption Research Articles

Confirmatory factor analysis for the implementation of Green Lean Six Sigma (GLSS) in Malaysia's wastewater treatment industry

ABSTRACT This study investigates the critical enablers influencing the implementation of Green Lean Six Sigma (GLSS) in Malaysia's wastewater treatment industry. Through an extensive literature review and insights from the industry, 30 distinct enablers were identified and categorized based on their characteristics within wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) organizations, aimed at ensuring successful GLSS execution. Structural equation modelling was employed to validate the research model, utilizing data from 296 certified professionals in Malaysia. The analysis revealed five significant enablers, indicating moderate to high levels of GLSS adoption within the industry, with the ‘strategic’ and ‘resource’ enablers emerging as particularly influential factors. Subsequent confirmatory factor analysis further affirmed the validity and reliability of these enablers. Moreover, the findings demonstrated both convergent and discriminant validity, reinforcing the efficacy of these factors in measuring GLSS implementation in Malaysian WWTPs. The study highlights the critical importance of strategic planning and resource allocation while emphasizing the need to address cultural and environmental factors for successful GLSS adoption in the industry. However, enablers based on linkages, particularly those pertaining to supplier relationships and customer satisfaction, garnered the least consensus among respondents, indicating areas necessitating further attention and improvement.

Organizational structure and high-performance work practices

Abstract Using firm-level data from Denmark, a country characterized by a high level of adoption of “high-performance work practices” (HPWPs), we document a large percentage of firms with limited adoption and large differences depending on the firms’ organizational structures. To explain these differences, we propose a theoretical framework based on agency theory and on human resource process theory in which the benefits of HPWPs vary across organizations according to their organizational structure. We find that opportunity- and skill-enhancing practices are more frequently used in firms with a network structure than in firms with a divisional structure, which in turn use them more frequently than firms with a functional structure. These findings are consistent with the idea that firms whose structures are designed to rely more heavily on employee control benefit less from HPWPs than those whose structures are meant to promote employee commitment. The use of performance pay is greater in divisional firms than in functional firms, which is consistent with this same idea. However, we find that the use of performance pay is lower in network organizations than in divisional organizations and is not significantly different from its use in functional organizations.

E-Learning Design for Older Adults in the United States

As global populations age, there is an urgent need to address the unique learning requirements of older adults in the context of e-learning. This study builds upon prior work to investigate the connections between older adults’ cognitive profiles, learning preferences, and attitudes toward technology in the United States. Through a survey of 203 U.S. adults aged 55 and above, data were collected on participant demographics, learning preferences, and attitudes towards technology. The results reveal a tech-savvy sample that is most comfortable with everyday applications and favors practical, visual learning approaches. Key findings include high levels of internet and smartphone adoption, varying confidence levels across different mobile applications, and strong preferences for step-by-step instructions, examples, and graphics in e-learning modules. This mixed-method study serves as a foundation for future research aimed at increasing the adoption and effectiveness of e-learning among older adults in the U.S. and globally, ultimately contributing to the overall quality of life and support for active-aging initiatives.

How does data-driven supply chain analytics capability enhance supply chain agility in the digital era?

Supply chain analytics capability has recently gained more attention from both scholars and practitioners. Through the lens of information processing theory, this study examined how supply chain analytics capability impacts supply chain agility in the digital era with the associated adoption of digital technologies and platforms by companies. To obtain relevant data, a large-scale survey of Chinese manufacturing firms was conducted. Supply chain integration capability was evaluated as mediator and digital platform was evaluated as moderator. The results show that supply chain integration capability can mediate the effect of supply chain analytics capability on supply chain agility; moreover, supply chain analytics capability has a stronger impact on supply chain agility under a high level of digital platform adoption. These findings deepen the understanding of the role of supply chain analytics capability in supply chain management. This paper also provides managerial implications for enhancing supply chain agility in the digital era.

Relationship between Scientific Management Practices Followed by Fish Farmers with their Socio-economic Profile Characteristics

This study investigates the relationship between the adoption of scientific management practices by fish farmers and their socio-economic profile characteristics in the Raichur district of Karnataka, India. Using an ex-post-facto research design, data were collected from 120 fish farmers across eight villages. The results indicate that 36.28% of farmers adopted scientific management practices at a medium level, while 33.72% and 30.00% reported low and high adoption levels, respectively. Key socio-economic factors influencing adoption included education, social participation, extension orientation, and mass media utilization. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to enhance adoption rates and improve fish farming productivity, thereby supporting rural economies. This revised abstract maintains the essential details while improving clarity and focus.

Impact Assessment of Integrated Pest Management Technology on Kharif Paddy Cultivation in Vidarbha Region of Maharashtra, India

The Eastern Vidarbha region consist of Bhandara, Gondia, Gadchiroli and Chandrapur and some part of the Nagpur district is famous for specialized farming and paddy as major crop. The total area in Maharashtra state was 15.53 lakh hectares with annual production 34.81 lakh tons of rice (Anonymous 2023-24). About 80.00 per cent gross cropped area in this region is under paddy. IPM has been proved to be a cost minimization technique. Losses in Paddy yield the tune 10 to 25 per cent occurs due to attack of insect pest and disease. Being the topic of such high importance from cultivators point of view, the research topic has been selected i.e. Impact Assessment of Integrated Pest Management technology on Kharif Paddy cultivation in Vidarbha region of Maharashtra State its economic investigation in different level of adoption of IPM technologies. The study was carried out with the main goals of determining the extent to which recommended technology has been adopted in Kharif paddy production by using principle component analysis approach and for develop the composite index, examining the input utilization of Kharif paddy at varying levels of IPM adoption, and workout cost effectiveness and profitability of kharif paddy at different level of adoption of IPM technology. The study was conducted in the districts of Gadchiroli in the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra State, India. Three tahasil, Gadchiroli, Chamorshi and Dhanora were chosen from these districts, and a total of 120 farmers were selected from seven villages, namely Gadchiroli, Indala, Hirapur, Chamorshi, Krishna Nagar, Heti, Kanartola. The primary data, which cover the years 2023–2024. Total 120 farmers, 25 farmers were classified as high adopters, 76 farmers were classified as medium adopters, and 19 farmers were classified as low adopters. As a result of input usage, the group with a high adoption level utilized the most human labour. Farmyard manure is used most in the high adopter group (49.87 quintal per hectare), followed by low adopters (31.73 qtl/ha) and medium adopters (34.45 qtl/ha) because the farmers can apply only owned farm FYM. The reasons of lower used of FYM, due to shortage of cattle’s population. The reasons of low adopter, high expenditure of Integrated pest management components was the 89.00 per cent farmers can use chemically control that means 2 to 3 spraying was use in kharif paddy in low adopter group. The B:C ratio at Cost ‘A1’ was 1.79, 1.85 and 1.92 in low, medium and high adopters, respectively, while B:C ration at Cost ‘C2’ for low, medium, high adopter were 1.12,1.19,1.25 respectively. The results concluded that the low adopters group are not making more profit. It indicates that, as adoption of technology increases the yield level of crop and so that the net returns also increases. The reduction in per quintal production cost at Cost ‘C2’ over low adopter group were Rs. 188.06/-. Paddy productivity has been reported increased by 19.84 per cent with the reduction in the cost of Rs. 7375.89 in high level of adoption of Integrated Pest Management Technology. The findings of the present study with regards to overall adoption of integrated pest management practices of paddy by paddy growers were observe for wide adoption of IPM technology in Kharif Paddy, Government should take initiative for production of bio-agents and available the pheromane trap and yellow sticky trap through establishing unit in Government Agricultural Offices and Krishi Vigyan Kendra and encourage the rural youth for establishing Units at taluka level.

Leveraging gamification for tourism marketing activities: Toward a comprehensive conceptual model

Gamification has become one of the most effective ways to generate customer engagement. However, there needs to be more structured research on the drivers of the adoption and sustained use of gamification in travel and tourism research. Drawing upon the uses and gratifications theory and the technology acceptance model, this research examines the individual motivational drivers for adopting gamification in the context of tourism services. We employed a combination of partial least squares—structural equation modeling and fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis on the data gathered from 680 users of various online travel agencies. Our findings show that individual motivational dimensions of uses and gratifications significantly influence perceived usefulness and ease of use in gamified marketing activities. Our analysis demonstrates five configurations leading to a high level of adoption of gamified marketing activities. This study extends the use of gamification in the tourism industry, offering insights into enhancing customer motivations for adopting and effectively utilizing game mechanics and dynamics in marketing activities. Furthermore, through a novel framework, this study advances the uses and gratification theory at the intersection of gamification research and tourism literature.

Evaluating the Impacts of Integrated Pest Management Techniques on Cotton Crop for Cost-effectiveness as Recommended by Dr. PDKV, Akola, Maharashtra, India

Since cotton is a major crop grown for commercial purposes in the Vidarbha region, Dr. PDKV Akola conducted and recommended the current study, which has several goals, including determining the extent to which recommended technology has been adopted in cotton production, examining input utilization in cotton at varying levels of adoption of IPM technology, calculating the cost-effectiveness and profitability of cotton at varying levels of adoption of IPM technology, and analyzing the barriers to technology adoption. The districts of Akola and Buldhana in Maharashtra State's Vidarbha area served as the study's locations. Three tahasils—Akola, Akot, and Sangrampur—were chosen from these districts, and 120 farmers were chosen from these villages, namely Varvat Khanderao, Khiroda, Sangrampur, Rambhapur, Mandala, Kinkhed Purna, and Khambora. The primary data, which cover the years 2022–2023, were gathered using a straightforward random sample technique. As a result of input usage, the group with a high adoption level utilized the most human labor. All three categories had seed rates, resistant variety usage at the indicated level, and sowing times that were closer to the recommended level. Farmyard manure, at 30.68 quintals per hectare, is most commonly used in the high adopter category. This is followed by medium adopters (16.80 q/ha) and low adopters (14.05 q/ha). The results of applying fertilizer (NPK) indicate that more was applied in all three categories at the recommended level. The highest per hectare yield, 16.64 quintals, was recorded by the high adopter group, followed by 14.01 quintals for the medium adopter group, and 12.71 quintals for the low adopter group. The net returns at Costs "A1," "B2," and "C2" were in the high adopter category, with amounts of Rs. 76557.94/-, Rs. 59781.64/-, and Rs. 50163.47/-. For low, medium, and high adopters, the input-output ratios at cost "A1" were 1.95, 2.05, and 2.27, respectively, but the input-output ratios at cost "C2" were 1.36, 1.43, and 1.58 for these same adopters. High adopter farmers saved Rs. 599.58 and Rs. 854.32/-per quintal at Costs "A1" and "C2" as a result of the per unit cost decrease. IPM technology was discovered to make cotton farming profitable because it reduced the cost of plant protection measures while simultaneously increasing yield. As a result, all cotton growers need to employ IPM technology more widely.

The extent of Adoption of Scientific Muga Culture Technology by the Muga Rearers of the Sonitpur District of Assam, India

A study was conducted in the Sonitpur district of Assam, India, to assess the level of adoption of improved technologies among 120 muga farmers. Adoption of the scientific muga culture practices by the silk cultivators has direct relation with the yield production. It was found that majority (65.83%) of the muga rearers demonstrated a medium level of adoption, with 14.17% exhibiting a low level and 20.00% demonstrating a high level of adoption of scientific muga culture technology. Intercultural operation, brushing of newly hatched worms during morning hours of the day, avoiding frequent handling of worms, selection of well-formed good cocoons for seed production as well as for reeling purpose and collection and destruction of diseased larvae and removal of affected twigs /shoots from the field are some of the practices fully adopted while use of improved mounting device for cocooning, spraying of 0.01% sodium hypochlorite solution as a disinfectant on the foliage 4 days before brushing, stifling the cocoon in hot air oven and use of new technologies and machines for re-reeling, weaving etc. were not followed by the muga farmers.

Adoption of Blended Learning Using Rotation Model as an Enhanced Learning Modality in Tertiary Education: An Innovation Diffusion Theory Perspective

This study aims to determine the likelihood of adopting blended learning using the rotation model as an enhanced learning modality among college students in light of the innovation theory. The researcher utilized a quantitative design using a descriptive-correlational approach to examine factors like compatibility, simplicity, trialability, observability, relative advantage, cost, and behavioral intention in relation to blended learning adoption. A simple random sampling technique was utilized to gather 180 respondents. The study reveals a high level of adoption of innovation, the blended learning rotation model with the three main factors: compatibility, observability, and relative advantage. Users who are to adopt this innovation align well with the existing values and needs if they can see the benefits of using it and perceive it as superior to alternatives. On the other hand, factors such as simplicity and trialability do not seem to have a significant relationship with the adoption of blended learning using the rotation model. Addressing concerns related to cost is paramount to ensure widespread adoption. The findings highlight the relevance of considering these key factors when presenting innovations in educational settings. It proposed that efforts should be focused on ensuring that the innovation adopted is compatible with users’ needs, its benefits are visible, and it is perceived as advantageous compared to other options. This could involve training and support to help students and teachers understand the benefits and how to use the innovation effectively.

Adoption of Improved Paddy Cultivation Practices among the Farmers in Durg District, Chhattisgarh, India

The present study was conducted in Durg district of Chhattisgarh state during the years 2022–23 to study the farmers' adoption of improved paddy cultivation practices. One hundred twenty respondents were randomly selected based on the criteria that no previous study had been undertaken. Farmers were personally interviewed using a pre-tested interview schedule. The majority of respondents had a high (15.83%), medium (53.34%) and low (30.83%) adoption level, hence, there is a necessity to provide training programs through Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and the Agricultural Departments to improve paddy cultivation methods so that the farmers can enhance their adoption levels of paddy production technology. The independent variables, namely age, education, annual income, farming experience, social participation, extension contacts, land holding, economic motivation and risk orientation were positively and significantly correlated with the adoption behaviour of paddy growers towards improved paddy production practices.

Commitment on Volunteer Crowdsourcing Platforms: Implications for Growth and Engagement

Problem definition: Volunteer crowdsourcing platforms match volunteers with tasks that are often recurring. To ensure completion of such tasks, platforms frequently use a lever known as “adoption,” which amounts to a commitment by the volunteer to repeatedly perform the task. Despite reducing match uncertainty, high levels of adoption can decrease the probability of forming new matches, which in turn can suppress growth. We study how platforms should manage this trade-off. Our research is motivated by a collaboration with Food Rescue U.S. (FRUS), a volunteer-based food recovery organization active in more than 30 locations. For platforms such as FRUS, effectively using nonmonetary levers, such as adoption, is critical. Methodology/results: Motivated by the volunteer management literature and our analysis of FRUS data, we develop a model for two-sided markets that repeatedly match volunteers with tasks. We study the platform’s optimal policy for setting the adoption level to maximize the total discounted number of matches. When market participants are homogeneous, we fully characterize the optimal myopic policy and show that it takes a simple extreme form: depending on volunteer characteristics and market thickness, either allow for full adoption or disallow adoption. In the long run, we show that such a policy is either optimal or achieves a constant-factor approximation. We further extend our analysis to settings with heterogeneity and find that the structure of the optimal myopic policy remains the same if volunteers are heterogeneous. However, if tasks are heterogeneous, it can be optimal to only allow adoption for the harder-to-match tasks. Managerial implications: Our work sheds light on how two-sided platforms need to carefully control the double-edged impacts that commitment levers have on growth and engagement. Setting a misguided adoption level may result in marketplace decay. At the same time, a one-size-fits-all solution may not be effective, as the optimal design crucially depends on the characteristics of the volunteer population. Supplemental Material: The online appendices are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/msom.2020.0426 .

Dynamic Teacher’s Technology Adoption During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Understanding the teacher’s technology adoption process is essential to comprehend and narrow the digital divide in the post-epidemic age. During the pandemic, the stay-at-home orders not only intervened schooling and teaching but also increased digital accessibility to teachers. This research studies teacher heterogeneity and adoption controls in the epidemic to simultaneously affect teacher’s underlying intention and adoption behavior based on a dynamic framework under the theory of planned behavior. We present a quantitative framework for modeling the teachers’ adoption behavior of a technology conditioned on intention, defined as latent dynamic processes via a hidden Markov model. This model allows us to examine the effects of three concerned adoption controls: epidemic, community, and experience. We also explicitly characterized teachers’ digital traits as the estimated results accounts for teacher’s heterogeneity. The implicit quality of digital teaching artifacts is examined to correlate the dynamic analyses with the qualitative supports. We collected data from four primary schools in Shanghai over 173 weeks, using an after-school activity management system. The data collection spanned periods both before and after the school closure caused by the epidemic, providing us with a dynamic view of technology adoption patterns under different circumstances. Our results suggest that the interventions derived from the controls of the epidemic did not significantly narrow the digital gap. In particular, well-prepared teachers may be more sensitive to adjusting their usage to meet the evolving standards. The inexperienced teacher struggles to maintain a high level of adoption once the passive external pressure is eliminated. Even the compulsory policy can temporarily change their adoption behavior. These implications highlight the second-order digital divide problem.

Knowledge, protective behaviours, and perception of Lyme disease in an area of emerging risk: results from a cross-sectional survey of adults in Ottawa, Ontario

BackgroundThe number of Lyme disease risk areas in Canada is growing. In regions with emerging tick populations, it is important to emphasize peridomestic risk and the importance of protective behaviours in local public health communication. This study aims to identify characteristics associated with high levels of Lyme disease knowledge and adoption of protective behaviours among residents in the Ottawa, Ontario region.MethodsA geographically stratified web survey was conducted in November 2020 (n = 2018) to determine knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding Lyme disease among adult residents. Responses were used to calculate: (i) composite scores for knowledge and adoption of protective practices; and (ii) an exposure risk index based on reported activity in woodlands during the spring-to-fall tick exposure risk period.Results60% of respondents had a high knowledge of Lyme disease, yet only 14% indicated they often use five or more measures to protect themselves. Factors strongly associated with a high level of Lyme disease knowledge included being 55 or older (Odds Ratio (OR) = 2.04), living on a property with a yard (OR = 3.22), having a high exposure index (OR = 1.59), and knowing someone previously infected with Lyme disease (OR = 2.05). Strong associations with the adoption of a high number of protective behaviours were observed with membership in a non-Indigenous racialized group (OR = 1.70), living on a property with a yard (OR = 2.37), previous infection with Lyme disease (OR = 2.13), prior tick bite exposure (OR = 1.62), and primarily occupational activity in wooded areas (OR = 2.31).ConclusionsThis study highlights the dynamics between Lyme disease knowledge, patterns of exposure risk awareness, and vigilance of personal protection in a Canadian region with emerging Lyme disease risk. Notably, this study identified gaps between perceived local risk and protective behaviours, presenting opportunities for targeted enhanced communication efforts in areas of Lyme disease emergence.

Metode behavioral reasoning theory untuk meningkatkan daur ulang limbah gawai elektronik generasi Z di Jabodetabek

Background: This study examines the e-waste recycling intention of Generation Z (17-24 years old) in JABODETABEK which has a high level of adoption of electronic products. Method: This is a quantitative research with descriptive and single-cross sectional design. This study uses an innovation acceptance theory approach, namely Behavioral Reasoning Theory (BRT) with variables of value, reasons for, reasons against, attitude and intention. Partial Least Square – Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) is used to analyze the survey data due to non-normality of data distribution. Finding: This study finds that value has a positive effect on attitude and reasons for, both of which have a positive effect on intention. The reasons against variable shows that it is not affected by value and does not affect attitude or intention.

ADOPTION OF IMPROVED PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGIES AMONG RICE FARMERS IN WASE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF PLATEAU STATE, NIGERIA

This study assessed adoption of improved production technologies among rice farmers’ in Wase Local Government Areas of Plateau State, Nigeria. Multistage sampling technique was used in the selection of 160 respondents for the study. Descriptive statistics, four point Likert scale and Logit regression were used to achieve the objectives of the study. Findings from the study revealed the mean age of the farmers to be 40years. Majority (67%) of the respondents were males and 91% of them married. 44% of the respondents had secondary education and a mean farming experience of 8 years. Majority (64%) of the respondents had farming as their major occupation on average farm sizes of 1.6 hectares. The mean annual income of the farmers was N 202,356. Improved rice production technologies such as appropriate time of harvesting (3.44), land preparation by tractors (3.42), recommended time of weeding (3.41), appropriate planting dates (3.25), use of herbicides (3.24), improved seed varieties (3.11), application of recommended fertilizer (3.05), nursery practice and transplanting (2.73) all had high levels of awareness and adoption respectively among the farmers. Age, educational status, farming experience, farm size, extension contact and annual income were significant determinant of adoption of improved rice production technologies. High cost of technology (69%), inadequate extension contact (61%) inadequate credit access (48%) and lack of accessibility of some technologies (28.0) were the major constraints affecting adoption of improved rice production technologies. The study recommended the subsidization of inputs (improved seeds, fertilizers and agro-chemicals) by government to reduce cost of production.

Adoption of arecanut based cropping system technologies by farmers of Uttar Kannada district of Karnataka

The study was conducted in Uttara Kannada district which comes under the jurisdiction of UAS, Dharwad during the year 2022-2023, to study the adoption of arecanut based cropping system technologies of UAS Dharwad by employing ex-post facto research design and using simple random sampling technique in Uttar Kannada districts of Karnataka constituting a total sample size of 120 farmers. Majority (69.16 %) of them adopted Sirsi local variety, cent per cent of them planted 12-18 months old seedlings, majority (69.16 %) of them plantedseedlings in may-august, large majority of them followed a spacing of 2.7x 2.7, More than half (55.83 %) of them adopted 90x90x90 cm pit size, 39.17 per cent of them followed square and triangle layout of plantation, 36.66 per cent of them followed multiple cropping with banana, large majority (81.66 %) of applied recommended dosage of FYM, more than two fifth (45.00 %) of them followed ring method of fertilizer application, large majority (79.16 %) of them adopted sprinkler drip irrigation,more than half (51.66 %) followed recommended depth of drainage, more than half (57.50 %) of them used Bordeaux mixture spray for bud spot control, more than two fifth (44.20 %) of them dug trenches for foot rot disease control, large majority of them (96.67 %) used phorate granules for spindle bug control, 30.00 per cent of them used dimethoate for mites’ control,tender nuts during July-December by majority, ripen nuts were harvested during Dec-March by 49.17 %. Large majority (89.16 %) of them manually harvested the areca nuts. Majority (68.33 %) of them of them adopted kalipak method of harvesting. More than two fifth (41.66 %) of them belonged to medium adoption level category, 30.84 per cent of them belonged to low and 27.50 per cent of them belonged to high adoption level category respectively.

Understanding the role and impact of electronic health records in labor and delivery nursing practice: A scoping review protocol.

Electronic health records have a significant impact on nursing practice, particularly in specializations such as labor and delivery, or acute care maternity nursing practice. Although primary studies on the use of electronic health records in labor and delivery have been done, no reviews on this topic exist. Moreover, the topic of labor and delivery nurses' organizing work in the electronic health record-enabled context has not been addressed. To (a) synthesize research on electronic health record use in labor and delivery nursing and (b) map how labor and delivery nursing organizing work is transformed by the electronic health record (as described in the reviewed studies). The scoping review will be guided by a modified methodology based on selected recommendations from the Joanna Briggs Institute and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews. A comprehensive search will be conducted in the following databases: CINAHL Complete, MEDLINE, Academic Search Complete, Web of Science, Scopus and Dissertations and Theses Abstracts and Indexes. Included sources will be primary research, dissertations, or theses that address the use of electronic health records in labor and delivery nursing practice in countries with high levels of electronic health record adoption. Data extracted from included sources will be analyzed thematically. Further analysis will theorize labor and delivery nurses' organizing work in the context of electronic health record use by utilizing concepts from Davina Allen's Translational Mobilization Theory. Findings will be presented in tabular and descriptive formats. The findings of this review will help understand transformations of nursing practice in the electronic health record-enabled labor and delivery context and identify areas of future research. We will propose an extension of the Translational Mobilization Theory and theorize nurses' organizing work involving the use of the electronic health record.

IMPACT OF TRAINING ON SYMBOLIC ADOPTION BEHAVIOR OF THE TRAINEE FARMERS ABOUT QUALITY SEED PRODUCTION

A study was conducted in 2019 - 2020 on a randomly selected 80 trainee farmers who were trained by the Department of Seed Science & Technology, B. A. College of Agriculture, Anand Agricultural University, Anand about the various aspects of Quality Seed Production. The findings revealed that before the training less than two fifth (38.75 percent) of the trainee had a very low level of symbolic adoption, followed by 18.75 percent each of them had a medium and a high level of symbolic adoption, 16.25 percent had a low and only 7.5 percent of them had a very high level of symbolic adoption, respectively. Whereas, in the case of after the training, more than two fifths (45.00 percent) of them had a high level of symbolic adoption, followed by 42.50 percent had a very high, 10 percent had a medium and 2.5 percent had a low level of symbolic adoption, respectively. However in case of effectiveness, before training program the mean score for symbolic adoption of the trainees with respect to different aspects related to Quality Seed Production was found 39.02 and it was reached to 83.08 after the training with a net gain of 44.05.

MOTIVATIONAL FACTOR AND CONSTRAINTS IN ADOPTION OF POTATO CUTIVATION TECHOLOGY BY POTATO GROWERS UNDER CONTRACT FARMING

Most of the farm operators being small and marginal farmers in India, there are problems in getting quality raw material for processing, marketing, and distribution, especially in perishable high value crops but contract farming which was restricted, largely, to seed production earlier, spread to perishable produce and has now become the dominant and growing mode of raw material production and procurement co-ordination among the processors and fresh produce market and exporters. Potato is very important perishable high value crop in North Gujarat Agro-climatic zone of Gujarat state with the cultivating area of 97,204 hector in six districts of North Gujarat (Anon.2014-15). Therefore, the present investigation was conducted in the North Gujarat Agro climatic Zone of Gujarat state. Two districts viz., Banaskantha and Sabarkantha occupy the highest area under potato cultivation in North Gujarat and hence, were selected purposively for study. Ten potato growers were randomly selected from twenty villages. In all, 200 contracting potato growers were selected for the study. Important motivated factors farmers toward contract farming were; assured price, price stability, no tension of marketing, technical advice to control pests and diseases, no cash payment for seed. Majority (78.00%) of the potato growers had medium to high level of adoption regarding potato cultivation technology. Major constraints faced by potato growers in adoption of potato cultivation technology under contract farming were; high rejection rate, low contract price, high cost of inputs given by contracting company, poor quality seed supply by company and manipulation of norms by firm. Important suggestions expressed by the potato growers were; provision of supportive price, quality seed to be provided by company, government intervention for making strict laws to make legal contracts and technical advice to control pests and diseases.