Adoption Level of Oilseed Production Technology in Konkan Region of Maharashtra

The front line demonstration is the concept evolved by Indian Council of Agricultural Research with the inception of the Technology Mission on Oilseed during mid-eighties. Under this programme the technologies are demonstrated for the first time by the scientists themselves before being fed to the main extension system of the state department of agriculture. However, this study regarding adoption level and correlation between various characteristics of oilseed growers found that 60.0 per cent respondents were medium adopters. Low adoption level was found in small farmer's category as compared to medium and big farmer's category. The possible reason might be low level of scientific orientation and low risk bearing ability of small farmers. Full adoption in case of variety and seed rate was due to simplicity of technology and partial adoption of agronomic practices was due to non-availability of labour, high cost of inputs and untimely technical guidance. Non adoption of seed treatment and plant protection was due to their complexity in use. Adoption of oilseed technology by the respondents is significantly associated with education, annual income, social participation, experience of oilseed cultivation, extension contact, extension participation and scientific orientation of demonstrator farmers. For achieving higher production, emphasis should be given to conduct off campus training program and field demonstrations in specific laggard's blocks about recommended oilseed production technology especially on seed treatment and plant protection measures.