Factors Affecting to Buy New brand of Herbicides: A Case Study With Special Reference to Rice Farmers in Sri Lanka

Abstract

This study attempted to analyze factors affecting to select new brand of herbicides by rice farmers in Sri Lanka. A pre tested structured questionnaire was used for the marketing survey for the farmer. Study area was Hambantota, Anuradhapura, Kurunegala and Polonnaruwa districts in Sri Lanka. Data were collected from the three group of farmers which was done base upon farmers' awareness and use of newly introduce grass killing herbicide brands as, 'aware and used of newly introduced grass killing herbicides (Gl)', 'aware about newly introduce grass killing herbicide but did not adopt to use it (G2)' and unaware and did not use the newly introduced grass killing herbicides (G3)'. Snowball sampling methods were used to select the samples for three group. Total sample was 168 (Gl - 55, G2 51 and G3 - 62). Innovative and progressive farmers have illustrated high willingness than others to apply new herbicides. Gain awareness and experience about new product, influence of fellow farmers, influence of the field staff, overcome the weakness of other products and impact of advertising were the major factors which influenced to purchase new herbicides. They have higher expectations from the new product; viz., to gain experience and to overcome weakness of the existing herbicides (innovative farmers / early adopters). Influence from peers and extension personnel also found to have played a major role in farmers decision making. Dealers and field-demonstrations have played a major role in making farmers aware about new herbicides.