The majority of farmers reported growing one crucifer crop per annum.
However, in Gujarat and Karnataka, a significantly higher number of farmers also reported growing two crops per annum (χ2 (4)=60.558, pb0.000).
In Karnataka and Gujarat, a significant majority of farmers (pb0.000) grew hybrids, whereas in West Bengal, a higher proportion of farmers (36%) grew local varieties.
Farmers' perception of pests and management practices
Farmers in all three states identified insect pests (97%) and diseases (57%) as major constraints to crucifer cultivation. Chemical pest control was the dominant control strategy.
Only 10 farmers (3.3%) did not use any pesticide in their crucifer fields.
Correspondingly,most farmers perceived that the overall use of pesticides in the communities increased over the past years (West Bengal: 85%, Karnataka: 67%, Gujarat: 47%).