International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development

author(s)
Pogakula Shravani, Shashidhara KK, SB Goudappa, Nagesh and BS Redddy

abstract
Cotton is India’s foremost commercial fibre crop, yet significant yield gaps persist due to gaps between recommended scientific practices and actual farmer adoption. This study empirically assessed the technological gaps in cotton cultivation among 120 farmers from Warangal district of Telangana. A structured interview schedule was used to measure practice-wise adoption levels and their determinants. Results revealed that (40.00%) of farmers exhibited medium technological gap, (32.50%) low gap and (27.50%) high gap with a mean technological gap index of 70.18. High adoption was recorded for visible and yield-driven practices such as sowing time (74.17%), spacing (71.67%), Bt hybrid selection (70.83%) and bollworm management (64.17%). However, large gaps were seen in seed treatment (18.33%), certified seed procurement (24.17%), biofertilizers (05.00%), drip irrigation (15.00%), IPM (38.33%) and leaf spot management (22.50%). Correlation analysis revealed significant negative relationships between technological gap and education, annual income, scientific orientation, extension contact, decision-making ability and achievement motivation. The findings suggest that targeted extension strategies especially those focused on preventive technologies, micronutrient management, IPM, strengthening KVK-FPO linkages, providing input subsidies and building farmer capacity are critical to promoting sustainable cotton cultivation in Telangana.