Adoption of Precision Technologies in Bitter Gourd (Momordica charantia L.) Cultivation at Thottiyam Block of Tiruchirappalli District

Agricultural extension system is the primary delivery system for information to farmers. Agricultural
extension has the potential to stimulate agricultural development and is often used as a tool for
implementing government policy. Available agricultural technology does not serve its purpose till it
reaches and adopted by it ultimate users, the farmers. The present study was conducted in Thottiyam
block of Tiruchirappalli district to assess the adoption of precision technologies in bitter gourd
cultivation. Totally 90 farmers were selected for the study. A schedule was developed to know the
adoption level of the bitter gourd cultivation through precision technologies and the adoption level was
ranked based on the adoption status. From this study high extent of adoption of precision
technologies viz., field preparation specified farm implements, recommended spacing, neem cake
application at last ploughing, stakes to reach the pandal, growth regulators (ethrel 100 ppm) spray to
increase fruit setting and marketing through integrated approach (Rank I) in bitter gourd cultivation
was observed among the Krishi Vigyan Kendra adopted farmers compared to the non adopted
farmers. It was concluded that the technology transformation tools like farmers field school,
demonstration, training and exposure visit had increasing effect to enhance the production and
productivity of crops. Farmer’s knowledge and attitudes towards the technology adoption can be
increased more effectively through extension activities. Agricultural extension programmes and
farming education are the main instruments of the government policy to improve the agricultural
productivity by adopting advanced production technologies. By adopting advanced production
technologies.