Constraints in Fertiliser Management of Major Field Crops in Telangana, India

Abstract

Balanced fertiliser management plays a vital role in sustaining crop productivity and maintaining soil health. Nevertheless, considerable variation exists in fertiliser use across major field crops, resulting in inefficient nutrient management. The present study was undertaken to identify the key constraints affecting fertiliser management among farmers and to propose practical strategies for improving fertiliser use in Telangana. Six major field crops, namely paddy, cotton, maize, red gram, soybean and Bengal gram, were selected based on their area under cultivation. A multistage sampling procedure resulted in the selection of six districts, 12 mandals, 36 villages and 360 farmers. Constraints were categorised into economic, technical, logistical and psychological dimensions and prioritised using Henry Garrett's ranking technique. The findings revealed that the high cost of fertilisers and manures was the most prominent economic constraint, whereas inadequate knowledge regarding fertiliser types, application rates, timing and methods emerged as the major technical limitation. The unavailability of manures and shortage of labour during critical operations were identified as the leading logistical constraints. Among the psychological factors, farmers showed limited confidence in the use of potassic fertilisers and balanced nutrient management practices beyond nitrogen and phosphorus. To address these challenges, a comprehensive set of interventions is suggested, including improved subsidy and credit support, strengthened extension and capacity-building programmes, expanded soil-testing and input-supply services, promotion of local manure production and field-based demonstrations to enhance farmers' confidence in scientific fertiliser recommendations. Implementing these measures through coordinated efforts by government agencies, research institutions and extension organisations could promote balanced fertiliser use, improve nutrient-use efficiency and support sustainable agricultural production.