Abstract:
Hydroponics has many advantages over conventional farming, including improved nutrition
management, increased quantity and productivity, shorter growth intervals for many plants, high
propagation success rates, lower fertilizer costs, no pesticides or herbicides, and better use of
space. This study investigates farmers' perceptions of accepting Hydroponic Systems as well as
their willingness to adopt them. A survey was undertaken in Badulla District using a convenience
sample of 132 vegetable farmers to discern this study's scope. The selected farmers represent a
homogeneity in terms of the vegetable mix cultivated, climate, and geography, whereas
heterogeneity in willingness and demographic factors. The survey findings suggest strong
evidence of farmers' willingness to adopt agricultural innovations and favourable perceptions
toward such technologies. The results of the probit estimation of farmers' willingness to adopt
hydroponic systems indicate that the age and gender of the participants were statistically
significant; farmers aged up to 47 years exhibited a positive attitude toward hydroponics systems
in contrast to those are above 47 years. In addition, female farmers were more willing to introduce
hydroponics farming than male farmers. These findings revealed that implementing the
hydroponic system would be effective among the youth and women.
