Factors affecting adoption of IR-64 rice-variety in selected barangays of Munoz, Nueva Ecija
Date
1989
Authors
Lava Prasad Upadhyay
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Abstract
This study inferred the relationships of certain demographic, economic characteristics, communication media and support services related with the rate of adoption of IR-64 rice variety. One hundred and eighty farmers were interviewed.
Twenty one percent of the farmers adopted IR-64 immediately after they have known about it. Fifty two percent planted the same variety only a year after they have heard about IR-64.
The correlation test reflected that years of schooling, print media, farm demonstrations, seed chemical fertilizer and pesticides availability were sinificantly related with the rate of adoption of IR-64, whereas farming experience and land tenure were found negatively significant.
Multiple regression analysis showed that years of schooling, land tenure, print media, and seed availability were significant predictors for rate of adoption.
Mean years of schooling was seven years where mean farming experience was 21 years. Seventy four percent of the farmer respondents were amortizing owners. Majority of the farmers had no exposure to print media like agriculture publications, magazines, etc. due to non-availability of print media at the barangay level. Albeit, IR-64 seeds were available, chemical fertilizer and recommended pesticides for IR-64 were not available for majority of farmer respondents. Fifty percent of the farmers were not getting loans for IR-64 cultivation.
The number one problem encountered by farmers relevant to IR-64 production was the high cost of farm input like chemical fertilizers, seeds, pesticides. Next to this problem was the non-availability of credit for IR-64 cultivation followed by susceptibility of the variety to diseases.
The farmers suggested that government subsidy in the price of the farm inputs should be given to make production affordable. They also pointed out the need for government support to raise the selling price of their products (IR-64). To save the crop against the attack of insect pests and diseases, the farmer-respondents also cited the need to make timely and adequately available the required insecticides and pesticides.