Adoption Level and Constraints in Sugarcane Production Technologies in Vizianagaram District

In Vizianagaram district of Andhra Pradesh Sugarcane is cultivating in 20,865 ha with average productivity of 56.2 t ha-1 (Anonymous 2012). The yield level of sugarcane which is comparatively low at present in Vizianagaram district of Andhra Pradesh need to be increased substantially. Higher sugarcane production can be achieved by adoption of all the recommended technologies by large number of farmers. Adoption of sugarcane production technology was studied during 2012-13 at Vizianagaram district of Andhra Pradesh. Majority of the respondents (44%) studied were found to be medium level adopters. Adoption of correct dosage of fertilizers and manures as also the recommended variety was the highest (75 and 65% resp.) followed by seed treatment with fungicides (61%), plant protection (53%) and weedicide application (52%). The least adoption was for recommended nursery practices and plant population (8%, and 4% resp.). Majority of the farmers showed medium level of overall adoption of recommended technology. Weedicide application, pest and disease management in nursery maintaining plant population in main field were not adopted by the majority of the farmers. ‘Non availability of high yielding varieties', High cost of labour' ‘Lack of conviction in the new technology' and ‘Weak extension activities at the village level were the major constraints faced by the farmers.