Constraints to the adoption of new weed control technology in rice

Examines the factors affecting adoption, with particular emphasis on institutional factors. In some developing countries, inadequate labelling of herbicide containers, complexity of chemical weed control technology, and poor research-extension linkages constrain farmer adoption of the new weed control methods. The need to train extension personnel is emphasized and the responsibility of chemical companies to assist is argued. As labour becomes relatively higher priced, shifts away from labour-intensive weed control techniques will likely occur in tropical Asia. However, if the real price of rice declines and costs continue to rise, the shift could be toward lower levels of weed control. Government policies have been and will continue to be an important influence on adoption of new weed control practices in both developed and developing countries. - from Authors