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Department of Agribusiness Management, S.V. Agricultural College, ANGRAU, Tirupati-517 502.
The goal of the current study, “Buying behaviour and usage pattern of pesticides by rice growers in selected mandals of
Bapatla District of A.P” was to determine farmers buying behaviour, factors influencing their buying behaviour, usage pattern and satisfaction level towards pesticide’s efficiency. Bapatla district in Andhra Pradesh was deliberately chosen for this study on the buying behaviour and usage patterns of pesticides among rice farmers. The district holds a significant position in pesticide consumption and ranks third in the state in terms of area under rice cultivation and rice production. The study focused on mandals with the largest rice acreage, leading to the purposive selection of four mandals: Repalle, Nagaram, Bapatla, and Amruthaluru, all known for their extensive rice cultivation. In each of these villages, rice growers were listed, and 11 farmers from each village were randomly selected for the survey, bringing the total sample size to 132 farmers. Data for this study were gathered through a survey method, with interviews conducted using structured interview schedules. The study pertains to the agricultural year 2023- 2024. Majority of sample farmers (65.91%) were falling in the young age group., Education status revealed that majority 25.76 per cent of sample farmers had secondary education. Income revealed that 50 per cent of the sample farmers majorly had income level between ` 100000 to ` 300000. Majority of sample farmers (40.91%) were small farmers with an acreage of 2.5 to 5 acres. Larger proportion of farmers (37.12%) had high farming xii experience of more than 20 years. Majority of farmers (59.09%) preferred to buy pesticides using credit. Over half of the farmers preferred consulting input dealers for farming-related advice. Farmers’ buying decisions are primarily influenced by financial aspects and personal experience, with external demonstrations and official recommendations having a minor role. Chi-square test results show no significant relationship between demographic factors and satisfaction with pesticide aspects. Farmers heavily depend on chemical pesticides for weed, pest, and fungal disease management, using specific herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides. Satisfaction exists with pesticide variety and dealer support, but dissatisfaction is noted with agricultural department services, high credit interest rates, and private dealer prices. Identified issues include untimely supplies and lack of preferred brands from the agricultural department..
KEYWORDS: Buying behaviour, Usage pattern, satisfaction levels.