Analysis of Organic Farming Practices in Arecanut ( Areca catechu L.) in South India

Abstract

The study was conducted among 90 arecanut growers drawn randomly from three districts viz., Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu, Calicut in Kerala and Dakshina Kannada in Karnataka during August 2012 to January 2013. Also include little bit of research variables and their measurements. Majority of farmers (70%) belonged to middle age category, ninety nine per cent of farmers were literates, majority were having rich experience in arecanut cultivation, nearly fifty eight per cent of farmers had less than 2 ha area under arecanut, sixty seven per cent farmers had livestock, majority were having medium level of social participation, extension orientation and mass media exposure, nearly fifteen per cent of farmers had undergone training on organic farming, more than one third of farmers (34.4%) were maintaining farm records, soil testing was done by only 28 per cent farmers and very few farmers (3.3%) had done organic certification. The main reason for adopting organic farming practices was ‘to maintain the soil fertility’. Growing of intercrops, mulching and use of green manure crops were the main agronomic practices. Main organic inputs which were produced or prepared at the farm were, farm yard manure, crop residues, ash and vermicompost. Farm yard manure, neem cake, biofertilizers, poultry manure etc. were the major inputs which were purchased from outside. Majority of arecanut farmers (77.8%) had medium level of knowledge on organic farming practices. Non availability of labour, lack of knowledge about organic farming practices, non availability of quality organic inputs and high labour wages were the major constraints.