ANALYSIS OF ADOPTION LEVEL OF RECOMMENDED CHEMICAL AND NON-CHEMICAL WEED MANAGEMENT PRACTICES BY FARMERS UNDER COTTON-WHEAT CROPPING SYSTEM IN PUNJAB, PAKISTAN

摘要

Infestation of weeds is one of the most threatening element encountered by the agricultural crop productivity. Weeds are those unwanted plants which compete with the grown crop for getting nutrients, space and light resultantly reducing the crop yield. Function and design of different cropping systems play very significant role related to composition of different weed communities. Considering the prevailing scenario, this study was planned and conducted at Institute of Agricultural Extension, Education and Rural Development, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan during 2018-19, to analyze awareness and adoption level of farmers regarding chemical and non-chemical weed management practices along with factors responsible for nonadoption of recommended practices under cotton-wheat cropping system in Punjab, Pakistan. District Sahiwal was selected purposively to serve the objectives of the study. A total sample of 130 farmers was taken using multistage sampling technique. A reliable, validated and pre-tested interview schedule was used for the purpose of data collection. Data were analyzed using SPSS. Results revealed that adoption level was found comparatively less than the awareness level of the respondents regarding weed control measures. Among different factors hampering the adoption of recommended weed control measures, higher cost of weedicides and adulteration in weedicides were ranked on top with mean value of 4.10 and 4.00, respectively followed by high labour cost and hesitation for taking risk on sole crop with mean value of 3.86 and 3.8, respectively. Lack of capital and resources was another challenge confronted by the adoption process. Gap was identified regarding adoption of recommended weed control measures and it was concluded that there is dire need to effectively ensure proper supply of adulteration free and low cost weedicides subsidized by the government. It was also suggested that there is need to train the farming community regarding integrated weed management practices. Chemical control was found most commonly used practice among the farmers therefore, balanced application of chemical measures and proper training about spraying methods at appropriate time are some important measures to be addressed in this regard.