Technology utilization among coconut farmers of root (wilt) disease affected areas

Abstract

The study was conducted in Alappuzha district, Kerala during 2010 - 2011 among 150 coconut farmers randomly selected from 30 panchayaths. the adoption and knowledge of the farmers were studied in respect of seedling and adult palm management. In case of coconut seedlings application of chemical fertilizers, organic manure and prophylactic measure against rhinoceros beetle attack (leaf axil filling) were adopted by majority of farmers. The management of adult palms recorded fairly good adoption level regarding basin opening, basin management with green manures and organic manures/ lime/ salt/ chemical fertilizers application. Kuttanad region of Alappuzha district recorded significant level of knowledge and adoption of coconut farming technologies compared to other regions of the district. Farmers' knowledge and adoption indicated statistically signifcant relationship with area under cultivation, training participation, membership in groups, frequent attendance in group meetings and enterprise diversification. The knowledge and adoption of plant protection aspects including bio - control measures, soil and water conservation were far below optimum which needs participatory community based extension interventions. Compared to the adoption and knowledge level during 2001, this study recorded improvement in both knowledge and adoption of recommended technologies except plant protection and soil/ moisture conservation technologies.