Year: 2025 | Month: September | Volume 70 | Issue 3
Determinants of Organic Fertilizer Purchase Decisions: Evidence from Bellari District of Karnataka
S.S. Pramod Nayak
Harish Kumar
H.R.
G. Basavaraj
DOI:10.46852/0424-2513.3.2025.14
Abstract:
Producers are shifting towards sustainable agriculture has led to growing interest in organic fertilizers, yet the factors influencing their adoption among farmers remain underexplored. This study, conducted in 2024 in the Bellari district of Karnataka, aimed to identify the determinants affecting the purchase decisions and usage of organic fertilizers. A total of 180 farmers were randomly selected from various villages, and data were collected through personal interviews. The study examined usage patterns, perceptions, influencing factors, and challenges using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and regression models to assess social, economic, and technical dimensions. Results indicated that 92.30 per cent of respondents used organic fertilizers, with 64.44 per cent combining them with chemical inputs. Farmers recognized the benefits of organic fertilizers, particularly in improving soil health (58.33 % strongly agreed) and enhancing crop quality (86.11 % agreed or strongly agreed). Despite these positive perceptions, several constraints were identified, including high costs (82.78 %), perceived yield reduction (77.78 %), and uncertainty about effectiveness (72.23 %). Correlation analysis revealed a negative association between perception and usage, while knowledge showed a positive relationship with usage. However, regression analysis indicated that frequency of use significantly influenced adoption, whereas knowledge did not have a statistically significant effect due to practical barriers such as inconsistent supply, limited market acceptance, lack of credit support, and inadequate technical training.
Highlights
- Majority (91.67%) of farmers use organic fertilizers, often in combination with chemical inputs.
- High cost, perceived yield reduction, and lack of knowledge are key barriers to adoption.
- Usage frequency significantly influences organic fertilizer adoption; knowledge alone does not.
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