Factors influencing technological gaps in adoption of mustard (Brassica juncea L.) production technology in arid zone of Rajasthan

Abstract

A study was conducted in four districts of Rajasthan namely, Jodhpur, Pali, Bikaner andJaisalmer, to identify the technological gaps in adoption of mustard (Brassica juncea) productiontechnology and to find out the relationship between the socio-economic characteristics offarmers and technological gaps in adoption of the technology. The study revealed that 68.2%of farmers belonged to medium technological gap category and there was a high technologicalgap in seed treatment, method of sowing, dose, time and method of application of fertilizersand herbicide, irrigation and plant protection measures. Out of 16 variables, 9 variablesnamely, education, caste, irrigation facilities, type of family, extension contact, sources ofinformation and knowledge were negatively and significantly correlated with overalltechnological gap, whereas, age and farming experiences were positively and significantlycorrelated with overall technological gap. The 16 independent variables taken togetherexplained 53.7% of the variation in technological gap, and knowledge of farmers was themost important predictor of the technological gap.