International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development

author(s)
J Sushma, CH Srilatha Vani, Y Prabhavathi and P Lavanya Kumari

abstract
Agriculture is a cornerstone of India's economy. While pesticides have played a crucial role in enhancing agricultural productivity, their adverse effects on non-target organisms, including humans, have raised significant concerns. Organic farming, covering 2.78 million hectares in India, has gained popularity due to its health benefits, driving demand for bio-pesticides and bio-stimulants. This study focuses on understanding the challenges faced by farmers in Palnadu district, Andhra Pradesh, regarding bio-pesticides and bio-stimulants utilization. Data were collected from 100 farmers in Gurazala and Sattenapalli divisions using a purposive sampling technique. The data pertaining to constraints of farmers for utilizing bio pesticide and bio stimulant inputs were collected by personally interviewing the respondents using a pre-structured schedule. Statistical tool like Garret ranking technique were employed to analyze the data. The empirical findings of the study revealed that the majority of the constraints faced by consumer while utilizing bio pesticides and bio stimulants was the lack of awareness followed by lack of quality of bio-input.