Farmers Preference and Utilization of Power Weeder

Abstract

This study is dedicated to exploring farmers’ perceptions of power weeders, a contemporary agricultural tool widely employed in diverse farming operations. It delves into the factors influencing farmers’ preferences for these machines and the tangible benefits they derive from incorporating them into their agricultural practices. To comprehensively capture farmers’ perspectives, the research employs qualitative data collection methods, such as in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. Through these methods, the study aims to glean the subjective experiences and opinions of farmers, providing a rich and nuanced understanding of their attitudes towards power weeders. The collected data undergoes rigorous analysis utilizing diverse statistical tools, including simple percentage analysis, weighted average rank tests, and factor analysis. The findings of the study highlight several compelling reasons behind farmers’ inclination towards power weeders. Notably, the tool’s versatility emerges as a key factor, allowing it to be utilized across different crop types. Farmers express a strong preference for the ease of operation, low fuel consumption, and user-friendly features associated with power weeders. Additionally, government subsidies are identified as a significant motivating factor driving the widespread adoption of these tools among farmers. Moreover, the study sheds light on the array of benefits farmers experience through the utilization of power weeders. These advantages encompass the tool’s ease of manoeuvrability, its role as a versatile land transport mechanism, potential enhancements in overall productivity, and its suitability for a wide range of crops. In essence, the research provides a comprehensive exploration of farmers’ positive perceptions and the tangible advantages that drive their preference for integrating power weeders into modern agricultural practices.

Keywords

• preference
• benefits
• adoption
• agriculture
• power weeder