ASSESSMENT OF PERCEIVED KNOWLEDGE OF BT. COTTON GROWERS ABOUT INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT TECHNOLOGY

Abstract

Gujarat is the second largest cotton producing state of India. In Gujarat state Saurashtra region is also has major area under cotton crop. However, it is interesting to note that cotton, which occupies only five per cent of the total cultivable land consume more than 55 per cent of the pesticides used. Present study was carried out to know the knowledge level of Bt. cotton growers about integrated pest management practices in Rajkot district of Saurashtra region with one-fifty Bt. cotton growers.  Finally, fifty-two statements were produced towards cotton growers for measuring his knowledge about IPM practices. Majority (66.00 per cent) of Bt. cotton growers were from medium knowledge followed by high level of knowledge about integrated pest management practices in Bt. Cotton. In case of association between knowledge level of Bt. cotton growers and their personal, socio economic characteristic, out of seven socio-economic characteristics, age was negative and significant associated with the knowledge of Bt. cotton growers. While size of land holding was non-significant related with knowledge, remaining all characteristics like, education, annual income, cotton yield index, training received, extension participation and scientific orientation were positive and significant association with the knowledge of Bt. cotton growers. Therefore, due weightage given to the above positive and significant related characteristic of cotton growers to achieve higher knowledge about IPM practices and better management of pest resulting higher income of cotton growers.