Factors associated with farmers’ adoption of standardized planting methods: evidence from China

IntroductionThe standardization of planting techniques has substantially enhanced production efficiency and agricultural output. Understanding farmers’ perceptions and adoption of standardized planting practices is essential.MethodsIn this study, the binary logistic model and the interpretive structural model was employed to analyze the factors influencing farmers’ adoption of standardized planting methods and the hierarchical structure and internal mechanisms of the influential factors.ResultsThe questionnaire responses of 244 farmers from Zhejiang Province, China, revealed farmers’ predominantly positive perceptions of standardized planting methods. Farmers’ planting experience and participation in cooperatives significantly affected their perceptions. The results of the regression analysis revealed that significant influencing factors included farmers’ education level, planting experience, participation in cooperatives, awareness of standardized planting methods, the perceived effects of standardized planting methods on household income and on village ecological environment. The interpretive structural model results revealed that the surface level factors influencing farmers’ adoption of standardized planting methods were farmers’ village cadre status, participation in cooperatives, and awareness of standardized planting methods. Farmers’ education level and planting experience were the fundamental factors.DiscussionIn the future, the influence of farmers’ education level and characteristics of arable land on the adoption of standardized planting methods by farmers should be further explored, as well as the need for non-value studies on farmers’ willingness to accept standardized planting methods.