PERCEIVED CONSEQUENCES OF ADOPTION OF MENTHA CULTIVATION IN CENTRAL UTTAR PRADESH

India is the largest producer of mentha oil in the world contributing almost 80% of total production in the world and Uttar Pradesh is the highest producing state contributing almost 80-90 % of total production of mentha oil in the country. The study was taken up in Barabanki and Lucknow districts of UP to understand the consequences of adoption of mentha cultivation by the farmers. The overall adoption score was found to be 31.63 percent. The extent of adoption was much higher in Barabanki as compared to Lucknow. Decrease in water table was the most important undesirable consequence reported followed by decline in soil fertility & yield and increased incidence of pest attack in other crops. Increased divide between the rich and poor was also expressed. Desirable consequences of mentha cultivation include high economic profit leading to increase in socio-economic status. The respondents also expressed increase in social relations and contact with extension agents. Decreased attack by animals was another desirable consequence. Efforts need to be made to do away with the undesirable consequences to make mentha cultivation socially, economically and environmentally sustainable