Adoption of Precision Technologies in Bitter Gourd (Momordica charantia L.) Cultivation at Thottiyam Block of Tiruchirappalli District

Abstract

Available agricultural technology does not serve its purpose till it reaches and adopted by it ultimate users, the farmers. The present study was conducted in Thottiyam block of Tiruchirappalli district to assess the adoption of precision technologies in bitter gourd cultivation. Totally 90 farmers were selected for the study. A schedule was developed to know the adoption level of the bitter gourd cultivation through precision technologies and the adoption level was ranked based on the adoption status. From this study high extent of adoption of precision technologies viz., field preparation specified farm implements, recommended spacing, neem cake application at last ploughing, stakes to reach the pandal, growth regulators (ethrel 100 ppm) spray to increase fruit setting and marketing through integrated approach (Rank I) in bitter gourd cultivation was observed among the Krishi Vigyan Kendra adopted farmers compared to the non adopted farmers. It was concluded that the technology transformation tools like farmers field school, demonstration, training and exposure visit are effective to enhance the production and productivity of crops.