STUDY ON THE SOCIO-PSYCHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE MAIZE GROWERS IN COIMBATORE DISTRICT OF TAMIL NADU

The present study was undertaken on the Socio-Psychological Characteristics of the Maize Growers in Coimbatore District of Tamil Nadu aimed to bring out a strategy to increase the institutional behaviour of maize growers. The study was undertaken at three blocks viz. Udumalpet, Pollachi and Palladam blocks of Coimbatore district in Tamil Nadu. The analysis of the socio-psychological characteristics of the maize growers indicated that majority had medium level (48.89 %) of farming experience and (21.11 %) were literate studied upto secondary level. They had medium level (71.11 %) of extension agency contact, out of which Assistant Agricultural Officers (2.21%), Private agencies (2.20 %) and Input dealers (1.87 %) were more frequently contacted by the farmers. T.V (2.36 %), Radio (1.99 %) and Newspapers (1.69 %) were the main sources of information to the farmers. Most of them had inadequate storage facilities and (53.33 %) stored the corns in gunny bags. Some (2.10 %) of the farmers adopted drip irrigation for COH (M) 4 maize hybrids under IAMWARM project. Majority of the maize growers (45.56 %) marketed the entire harvested produce and kept none for their house consumption. Self-decision was taken by (45.45 %) of them. Their market perception and market potential were observed to a medium level.