FARMERS’ PERCEPTION ON THE EFFECT OF IPM

Abstract

The main objectives of this study were to determine the farmers’ perception on the effect of IPM and to explore the relationship between the selected characteristics of the farmers and their extent of perception on the effect of IPM. Besides, attempts were made to ascertain the problems faced by the farmers. The study was conducted with randomly selected 100 farmers in Amadi and Bagali union under Koyra upazila of Khulna district. A pre-tested interview schedule was used to collect data from the respondents during 12 May to 29 July, 2015. Farmers’ perception on the effect of IPM was the dependent variable and the dependent variable was measured by 15 statements on 4-point scale and the ten selected characteristics of the respondents contributed the independent variables of the study. Majority (53 percent) of the respondents had medium perception while 24 percent and 23percent of them had respectively low and high perception on the effect of IPM. Seven characteristics of the respondents viz. Education, Annual family income, Farm size, Training received, Organizational participation, Knowledge on IPM practices and Awareness of farmer about environmental pollution had significant positive relationship with their perception on the effect of IPM but the constraints faced by the farmers in using IPM practices was negatively correlated with their perception. The remaining characteristics of the farmers, namely age and number of family member did not show any significant relationship with their perception. The major farmers’ perceptions on the effect of IPM were using of Bio-fertilizer in crop production, using IPM for environment balance, increasing beneficial organisms by using organic fertilizer and using IPM for reducing health and environment hazard.