International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development

author(s)
Muhammed Arif, KP Raghuprasad and Deinichwa Dkhar

abstract
The research study was conducted during the year 2022-23 in Chikkaballapur district of Karnataka. The research study involved 60 ragi growers and 60 maize growers who were practicing natural farming. The primary objective was to study the perception of farmers towards natural farming, to document their constraints and gather suggestions related to natural farming practices. The findings revealed that nearly half (46.66%) of farmers had an average perception towards natural farming, followed by poor (29.17%) and better (24.17%) perception. Ragi growers had better perception towards natural farming than maize growers. The major constraints expressed by both ragi and maize growers were low yields in the initial years of natural farming, limitations in using natural farming solutions solely for prevention and the absence of certification and marketing support for natural farming produce. To address these issues, farmers suggested providing support or subsidies for the first three years to withstand yield losses, implementing all necessary plant protection measures in anticipation of pests and diseases and urging the government to establish certification and marketing infrastructure for natural farming produce.