Factors impeding the adoption of weed management practices in four cropping systems of the Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract

This study was conducted in district Gujranwala with the major objective to identify factors impeding the awareness level and adoption of weed management practices among the farmers from Rice-Wheat, Rice-Potato, Rice-Maize and Rice-Peas cropping systems. Total 356 farmers, selected through the proportionate sampling technique from four cropping systems participated in the study. Data were collected through a structured and validated questionnaire through a face-to-face interview technique and analyzed with the help of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Findings indicated that, inadequate resources, knowledge and limited exposure to the information sources were the factors influencing the awareness level among farmers across the four cropping systems Shortage of finance, high cost of inputs, high cost of diesel and possession of inadequate knowledge were the barriers impeding adoption level. This study suggests that, in order to create awareness and foster the adoption of recommended weed management technologies to further curb the yield losses, the Extension Field Staff should strive to build technical knowledge among farmers through diversified teaching activities. The Integration of Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) could help EFS to meet farmers information needs. Furthermore, public-private partnership is also recommended especially for the effective weeds’ management on farm level.