Multivariate Analysis of Eco-friendly Management Practices by Cotton Growers

The eco-friendly pest management is viewed as a broad ecological approach to pest control employing several methods and techniques viz., cultural, mechanical, biological and chemical in a compatible manner to keep the pest level below economic threshold. The study was conducted in 2011–12 in Yadgir district of North eastern part of Karnataka. The sample size of 160 cotton growers was drawn on proportionate random sample method. The characteristics such as age, education, land holding, deferred gratification and economic motivation did not show significant relationship with knowledge of eco-friendly management practices by cotton growers. Two variables namely risk orientation and achievement motivation had contributed significantly to the knowledge level of eco-friendly management practices by cotton growers. All the eleven independent variables put together contributed to an extent of 46.40 per cent in explaining variation in knowledge level of eco-friendly management practices by cotton growers. The highest and lowest favourable indirect effect was contributed by the variables economic motivation and education. Most of the substantial indirect effect was channalized through risk orientation, achievement motivation and mass media use.