Reducing Nitrogen Waste: Factors Influencing Neem-Coated Urea Adoption in Bhutan

T Begho, Tashi Dorji, Sonam Dendup

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Farmers in Bhutan are constrained by limited arable land. Hence, there is pressure to increase agricultural production per unit of inputs, but in the most sustainable way as Bhutan has some of the most stringent environmental conservation laws. This paper investigates the determinants of the adoption of an enhanced-efficiency fertiliser i.e., neem-coated urea (NCU). We analyse data from a survey of 235 farmers in Bhutan using a double hurdle regression model. The results reveal several factors that are positively associated with the adoption of NCU, including the number of separate plots, larger farm size, use of organic fertilisers, recent vocational/professional agricultural training, and seeking help or advice when making fertiliser-related decisions. In contrast, factors such as irrigation, attendance of crop demonstrations, subsidies for agricultural machinery purchase, strict adherence to recommended fertiliser usage, perception of difficulty in handling and application of fertilisers, and attitudes towards soil and crop management were found to negatively impact adoption. We also find that older farmers are more likely to adopt NCU, potentially due to their accumulated experience and knowledge. On the other hand, male farmers show higher adoption rates compared to female farmers, reflecting existing gender disparities in NCU adoption. The identified factors can guide policymakers, extension services, and agricultural stakeholders in designing and disseminating targeted interventions to promote the adoption of this NCU. By addressing barriers and leveraging the drivers, efforts can be made to enhance the adoption of an enhanced-efficiency fertilisers as one way of reducing nitrogen waste and pollution from crop production.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1-23
Number of pages23
JournalModern Agriculture
DOIs
Publication statusFirst published - 11 Dec 2024

Keywords

  • Enhanced-efficiencyn management
  • fertilisers
  • neem-coated urea
  • adoption
  • nitrogen
  • Bhutan

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