International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development

Study Design, Area and Duration: The research adopted a descriptive study design to record farmers’ experiences and usage behavior without altering variables. It was conducted during the agricultural year 2024- 25 in Warangal district of Telangana, a major agricultural hub with diverse crops and active fertilizer markets. Five mandals- Narsampet, Geesugonda, Duggondi, Parkal, and Atmakur, were purposively selected due to higher adoption of Nano DAP.

Methodology: A total of 80 farmers using Nano DAP were purposively selected from 10 villages across the five mandals (8 farmers per village). Data were collected using a structured and pre-tested questionnaire through personal interviews. The questionnaire captured details on seasonal usage, different crops of application, methods of application (spray or drip), dosage adherence, and extent of replacement of conventional DAP. Information on integration with other agro-chemicals was also gathered. Responses were tabulated and analyzed using simple averages and percentages to clearly highlight usage patterns.

Results: The findings revealed distinct patterns of Nano DAP adoption. A majority of farmers (52.5%) used Nano DAP in Kharif, 28.75 percent in Rabi, and 18.75 percent across both seasons. Crop-wise, adoption was highest in cotton (28.75%), followed by paddy (25%) and maize (22.5%), chilli (10%) and other crops such as banana, turmeric, and vegetables (13.75%) the usage of nano DAP was low. In terms of application, 50 percent applied Nano DAP at the second spray stage, 31.25 percent at the first spray, and 18.75 percent adopted both sprays, while 18.75 percent reported using it through drip fertigation. All respondents adhered to the recommended dosage of 1 litre per acre. With respect to replacement, 37.5 percent had fully substituted conventional DAP, while 62.5 percent used it partially. Integration patterns showed that 40 percent of farmers mixed Nano DAP with other agro-chemicals, whereas 60 percent applied it independently. These results indicate that Nano DAP is gaining strong acceptance among farmers, particularly in major crops, though complete replacement of traditional DAP is still evolving.