Agricultural Economics Research Review
Year : 2012, Volume : 25, Issue : conf
First page : ( 549) Last page : ( 549)
Print ISSN : 0971-3441. Online ISSN : 0974-0279.

Factors Affecting Adoption of Coconut Hybrids and Improved Varieties in Kerala: An Application of Tobit Regressino Analysis

Radhika C., Jayasekhar S., Muralidharan K., Kalavathy S., Jaganathan D., Chandran K.P.

Division of Social Sciences, Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (CPCRI), Kasaragod – 671 124, Kerala

Online published on 9 October, 2012.

Abstract

Coconut is considered as smallholders’ crop in India. In this study, factors affecting the adoption of hybrids and improved varieties of coconut in farmers’ fields have been studied. Analysis has also been done to find ‘how far and to what extent’ these factors can influence the adoption-decisions of farmers. The data for the study were collected from the primary survey of coconut growers in the Kasaragod district. Tobit regression model was used to estimate the adoption of hybrid palms in farmers’ gardens. Farmers’ characteristics associated with the adoption were studied and used in this model. The study has shown that only 12 per cent of the farmers had adopted hybrid palms and improved varieties in their gardens. The educational level of farmers and their extension contacts with R&D institutions, state farms, etc. were the significant factors in influencing the adoption-decisions of hybrid and improved varieties for cultivation. This implies that spreading of education and strengthening of extension services are needed in the state.

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Keywords

Tobit regression, determinants of adoption, hybrid palms, coconut cultivation, Kerala.

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