Factors Influencing Organic Farming Adoption in Nanded District of Maharashtra

Farmers group or NGO or institutes are major factors that contribute to the growth of organic farming. Farmers' groups such as Arya Natural farming in Nanded district’s Loha Taluka Dapshed village are working significantly for the promotion and growth of the organic or natural farming methods among the farmers. 45 farmers were involved in a farmers' group. 89 farmers or respondents were influenced by social media. 125 farmers or respondents were influenced by various programs or schemes of the government to promote and support organic or natural farming. 189, that is, the maximum number of all have been influenced by the self-initiated efforts they have taken. These 189 respondents are purposefully practicing natural farming, which can also be termed organic farming.  The study has collected the primary data through structured and non structured questionnaire asked to the farmers. From the data collection, the study found that many factors are there which make farmers adopt organic farming. 203 farmers strongly agree with market demand, and 108 farmers also agree with market demand, which influenced them to adopt organic farming. 100 and 111 farmers or respondents were influenced by the higher price of organic produce. 100 and 110 respondents or farmers are practicing due to the government support of subsidies. Some farmers, 181 and 118, have started implementing organic farming due to the availability of organic inputs. Knowledge and training are also significant factors for 180 and 119 farmers to practice organic farming. 221 farmers were influenced to adopt organic farming due to other farmers' experience or their peer network influence. 185 and 125 farmers found that the improvement in soil fertility is the major factor in adopting organic farming. 56 and 90, which is a small number of respondents practicing from the perspective of environmental protection or eco-friendly practice.

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