Voices from the Sidelines: Constraints and Suggestions of Non-participant Farmers of Soybean Digital Farmer Field Schools
Kaustubh R Kadam *
Department of Agricultural Extension Education, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri, Maharashtra, India.
Milind C Ahire
Department of Agricultural Extension Education, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri, Maharashtra, India.
Manohar B Dhadwad
Department of Agricultural Extension Education, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri, Maharashtra, India.
Anjali S Dahatonde
Department of Agricultural Extension Education, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri, Maharashtra, India.
Arundhati P Lawand
Department of Agricultural Extension Education, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri, Maharashtra, India.
Godawari S Pawar
Department of Agricultural Botany, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani, Maharashtra, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Soybean (Glycine max L.), known as the "golden bean," is a vital oilseed and pulse crop with significant economic and nutritional value in India and worldwide. Despite technological advancements and the introduction of digital extension models like the Digital Farmer Field School (DFFS), many soybean farmers in Maharashtra remain non-participants, facing persistent production and market challenges. This study, conducted in Ahilyanagar district using an ex-post facto research design, explores the constraints and suggestions of non-participant soybean farmers regarding DFFS. Data were collected from 150 respondents (75 participants and 75 non-participants) through personal interviews during 2023-2024. Results revealed that non-participants primarily struggled with the unavailability of quality seeds, price fluctuations, labor shortages, limited credit access, and inadequate input subsidies. Key suggestions included timely supply of genuine seeds, reasonable purchase prices, accessible credit, subsidized fertilizers, and practical training on pesticide use. The findings highlight the need for integrated seed systems, enhanced price support, streamlined credit, targeted subsidies, and comprehensive training to bridge the gap between participant and non-participant farmers. These insights provide actionable recommendations for policymakers and extension agencies to foster inclusive, sustainable soybean cultivation in Maharashtra.
Keywords: Soybean, Digital Farmer Field School (DFFS), non-participant farmers, constraints, suggestions, seed quality, price support, credit access, input subsidies, policy recommendations