Multidimensional impact assessment of zero tillage technology on wheat productivity in Haryana

Abstract

The farmer’s participatory approach proved to be accurate guide for zero tillage technology adoption by farmers within different districts not only in Haryana, India, but also in other major wheat producing states of the country. Continuously, need is being felt to explore the possibilities of saving critical inputs by adopting zero tillage technology but little research exists that explores agricultural conservation outreach. Current study was so aimed to see factors affecting the adoption and impact of zero tillage technology in rice wheat cropping system. Results revealed that adopters were more literate than non-adopters. Majority of the adopters (62.49%) were in age group of 30-50 years; the relative percentage in this category among non-adopters was very low (39.16%). The probability of adoption of zero tillage technology with the increase in farm size increased, so medium to large land holders contributed to 68.33 percent in adopting zero tillage technology. Attitude, knowledge and satisfaction of the respondents were found to be driving force of change to click from traditional practices to zero tillage technology. The mass media like educational films, radio, pamphlets, farm publication, TV and newspapers, in case of institutional sources panchayat personnel’s, extension persons and ADO, while among the non-institutional sources family members, relatives and progressive farmers were the most preferred sources of information to the adopters and non-adopters. Furthermore combinations of a significant “yield effect” and “cost-saving effect” makes adoption worthwhile and is the main driver behind the rapid spread and widespread acceptance of ZT in Haryana.