Attitude, Perception, Life Style and Satisfaction of Organic and Inorganic Farmers: a qualitative inquiry

Abstract

Abstract Agricultural practices are generally organic and inorganic practices. Organic agriculture is more about producing agricultural products without disturbing the ecosystem, biodiversity and the soil health; whereas, inorganic farming is completely opposite of organic farming.  Use of chemicals nutrients, hybridisation of seeds, chemical fertilizers, pesticides, is commonly used to get high yield. Since inorganic agriculture is practicing from long time and we are used to get more yield in less time, farmers are bit hesitant to change to organic farming. Behavioural, economic and social attributes of the farmers largely influence the future of organic farming. Objectives: The principal aim of the study is to assess the attitude, perception, lifestyle and satisfaction of organic and inorganic farmers. Methodology: A sample of 30 organic and inorganic farmers were selected from different districts of Karnataka state. Semi-structured tool was designed to collect data from the farmers through interview method.  Thematic and free-listing techniques were used to analyse and present the data. Results: Organic farmers tend to be resilient and motivated as compared to the inorganic farmers.  There were issues as perceived by the inorganic farmers that the organic farming was not an easy way to reap economic benefits and high yield for which conventional farming has been in practice.  However, the shared views were that the agriculture has to receive the due place and dignity as compared to other market occupations which are more profitable.  Conclusion: The study observes that organic farming needs sustainable systems to support, promote, advocate and practice it.  Behavioural domains and economic domains are equally important to influence the lifestyle and satisfaction of the farmers. Key Words: Agriculture, Organic, Inorganic, Satisfaction, Life Style, Attitude, Perception ____________________________________________________________________________ *Professor & Head, Department of Social Work, Dean, School of Media Studies, Central University of     Karnataka, Kalaburagi, Karnataka, India, Email Id: channaveerrm@cuk.ac.in   ** Doctoral Scholar, Department of Social Work, School of Social and Behavioural Sciences,      Central   University of              Karnataka, Kalaburagi, Karnataka, India.  Email Id: bhagyavadageri@yahoo.com