Constraint analysis of the farmers in the adoption of integrated nutrient management (INM) technologies in potato-based cropping system in Punjab

Integrated nutrient management (INM) has evolved as one of the most important means to handle and sustain the agricultural output and improve the farmers’ productivity through its various components. The present study was conducted to analyse various constraints faced by the farmers who were following potato-based cropping system in three agro-climatic zones of Punjab. A total of 180 farmers were included comprising sixty farmers from each agro-climatic zone. Collection of data was done with the help of interview schedule consisting of statements to identify the constraints being faced by the farmers. Findings of the study showed that constraints for adoption of INM technologies were much inclined towards the production constraint although there was no loss in yield of the crops by following INM practices. Other constraints faced by the farmers were of economic and organizational in nature. Farmer field school can be organized on INM in specific crops at village level and farmers’ participatory research can be initiated for developing INM package for different cropping systems.