Perception of Regarding Water Conservation Products and Identification of Problem Faced by Groundnut Farmers in Dhanera Taluka of Banaskantha District, Gujarat, India

Abstract

Insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides are among the crop protection chemicals that are expected to drive the worldwide agrochemicals market, which is expected to reach USD 308.92 billion by 2025. Recent decades have seen a rise in agricultural activity in India as a result of the country's growing population and the need for more food supply. The Indian agrochemicals market was valued at around USD 6 billion in 2022. The study was conducted in Dhanera Taluka of Banas Kantha district, Gujarat, and examined five villages with 150 farmers, focusing on the groundnut crop, which has a significant need for insecticides and pesticides. The study aimed to achieve two objectives: to understand farmer perceptions regarding water conservation products, and to identify problems faced by groundnut farmers. The primary data was collected through semi-structured schedules, and secondary data was collected from different reliable sources.  The majority of respondents were involved in both agriculture and livestock farming and had annual earnings between 5 and 10 lakhs. They primarily farmed during both Kharif and Rabi seasons. Key problems faced by groundnut farmers included high input costs, pest and weed infestations, labor shortages, water scarcity, and Sclerotium wilt.