Factors Influencing Farmers’ Opinions about the Radiation-Modified Carrageenan Plant Growth Promoter for Rice Production

The use of radiation-modified carrageenan as plant growth promoter is an alternative to the conventional chemical-intensive rice production systems. To assist in assessing its potential to be used by farmers, the perceptions and the factors influencing the farmer opinions need to be studied. A survey among 163 rice farmers in the Philippines was conducted to determine how they perceived the attributes of the technology. The intensity of attitudes was determined through a 5 point Likert scale, and an ordered probit regression model was adopted to determine which factors were most influential in the perceptions of the farmers. Farmers had generally positive perceptions about the technology. Around 20% of the farmers thought they would benefit from using the radiation modified carrageenan plant growth promoter, but almost 40% had no intention to use the technology. The negative perception was strong among aging farmers, those with large families, with larger areas and non-members of farmer groups. Strengthening the technical support, intensification of information campaigns and more demonstration trials to increase awareness and interest about the technology are recommended.