Vol. 11, Special Issue 7 (2022)

Author(s):
Dr. S Senthilnathan, K Kanchana, Dr. B Vinothkumar and Dr. V Saravanakumar

Abstract:
Study was conducted to analyze the brand preference of agrochemicals among farmers in Tamil Nadu and to find out the factors influencing the farmers in preferring the particular brand regarding the purchase decision. Collection of primary data followed by field level demonstrations was collected from 93 farmers covering 7 districts of Tamil Nadu. The present study indicated that about 65 per cent of farmers have preferred the agro chemical Rimon and 25 per cent of farmers have preferred chemical Coragen for better control against Spodoptera pest. Rimon and Coragen were found to be most preferred agro chemicals by the sample farmers to control larva infestation. With respect to downy mildew disease, 75 per cent of farmers have preferred agrochemical brand named Curzate due to its quick action and good quality produce after harvest. Further, the cost of Curzate is lesser than other chemical products available in the market. Remaining 25 per cent of farmers have preferred the chemical Moximate to control downy mildew disease. They conceded that the chemical Moximate could also control some other fungal infections. Regarding rhizome rot in turmeric, 65 per cent of farmers have preferred chemical Rodomil Gold. About 20 per cent of farmers preferred Matco for control of rhizome rot in turmeric. The lowest of 15 per cent of farmers have shown preference towards Kemoxyl due its low cost and good control of rhizome rot. In this study it was also concluded that the farmers have preferred plant growth promoter like Fruit Energy (65%) and Isobion (35%) as it effectively controls the flower dropping. Fruit Energy showed better control of flower dropping and fruit set, besides darker fruit color, shine as well as fruit weight. Among the fungicide used for onion seed bulb treatment, Sprint was favoured by 65% of farmers, owing to its characteristics such as ‘wettable slurry’ formulation, which sticks well to the seed bulb and shows better control of fusarium rot, eventually resulting higher yield by 20 per cent.