Farmers' Perception towards Organic Farming and Its Determinants in Telangana, India

Abstract

Organic farming is increasingly recognised as a sustainable alternative to conventional agriculture due to its environmental, health, and economic benefits. The present study was conducted to examine farmers’ perception towards organic farming and the factors influencing these perceptions in Telangana, India. A total of 120 farmers, comprising 60 organic and 60 conventional farmers, were selected through a multistage sampling technique from Sangareddy and Warangal districts of Telangana and interviewed using a structured interview schedule. Farmers' perception, representing respondents' understanding and opinions regarding the benefits, challenges, and sustainability of organic farming, was measured using a validated ten-item perception scale. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, weighted mean score (WMS), Spearman’s rank correlation, and multiple linear regression analysis. The largest proportion of the respondents (47.50%) exhibited a medium level of perception towards organic farming. Organic farmers demonstrated relatively more favourable perceptions than conventional farmers, as indicated by the Mann–Whitney U test. Soil health improvement, better quality produce, and premium price realisation for organic produce were the most positively perceived aspects of organic farming. Annual income, extension contact, and market orientation emerged as the most influential determinants of farmers' perception towards organic farming, while landholding, farming experience, loan accessibility, risk orientation, and innovative proneness also significantly contributed to perception formation. Regression analysis indicated that annual income, extension contact, market orientation, and loan accessibility were the major determinants influencing farmers’ perception. The findings underscore the importance of strengthening extension services, improving market access and institutional credit, and promoting experiential learning approaches to foster favourable perceptions and facilitate wider adoption of organic farming.