International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development

author(s)
Jayesh I Chaudhari, Dr. Mehul G Thakkar and Rutik Joshi

abstract
Hybrid seeds have emerged as a very promising agri input in the recent times, having direct bearing on agricultural productivity and farmers’ prosperity. Despite far reaching impact and multiple benefits of hybrid seeds variety, their adoption among Indian farmers remain limited due to various constraints. The present empirical research work, utilizing the published theoretical literature and descriptive cross-sectional research design, examines the constraints faced by farmers in procurement and production of hybrid pearl millet seeds. The study was conducted in the purposively selected Banaskantha district of North Gujarat region of Gujarat state. A total of 200 farmers were selected across four talukas using a multistage random sampling approach and surveyed using a structured interview schedule. The data were analysed using Garrett’s ranking technique. The results revealed that the top most five constraints faced by farmers were high price of the seeds, concerns about seed authenticity, inadequate credit access, fear of spurious products and lack of technical knowledge; highlighting that economic barriers, product authenticity concerns, and limited access to knowledge and resources significantly affect hybrid seed adoption among farmers. Findings of this landmark empirical investigation emphasize the need for addressing these constraints through focused awareness programs, fair pricing, quality assurance measures, and targeted farmer training to encourage greater acceptance and adoption of hybrid pearl millet among the farmers in the surveyed region.