TRANSFORMING AGRICULTURE- ADDRESSING CONSTRAINTS TO BIO-INOCULANT ADOPTION AMONG TAMIL NADU FARMERS

Bio-inoculants. which are microorganisms that use renewable resources to increase plant nutrient availability, provide a long-term alternative to conventional chemical fertilizers. Tamil Nadu, a major supplier of both solid and liquid biotcrtilizcrs. supplied over half of India's carrier-based bio-inoculant production in 2020-21. Recognizing the advantages of high-quality biotcrtilizcrs in terms of soil health, agricultural productivity, and environmental sustainability, the state government actively supports their usage to counteract the adverse effects of excessive chemical fertilizer use. Despite these efforts, the use of bio-inoculants encounters several obstacles. The purpose of this research was to identify and address challenges to bioinoculant usage among the farmers. An ex post facto research design was used, with data gathered from 240 farmers across eight districts in Tamil Nadu using purposive and snowball sampling procedures. The Henry Garrett ranking system was utilized to study and rate farmers' challenges, while NVIVO software aided in qualitative data analysis and suggestion. Farmers assessed different constraints, which were then scored and ranked appropriately. Key challenges highlighted were difficulty comprehending the technology, a lack of clear market availability, inadequate technical assistance, and slow outcomes. Other notable hurdles were the limited shelf life of bio-fertilizers, unavailability during peak seasons and budgetary constraints. The study's findings provide valuable insights into the challenges farmers face when adopting bio-inoculants, as well as potential solutions to overcome these barriers, ultimately contributing to the promotion of sustainable agricultural practices in Tamil Nadu and possibly other regions facing similar issues.