An Empirical Study on Factors Influencing Farmers' Buying Preferences of Agri-inputs in Telangana, India
Gandla Avinash *
P.J.T.A.U, Rajendhar Nagar, India.
A. Satish Reddy
Agri Provision, Hyderabad, India.
P. Radhika
SABM, College of Agriculture Rajendranagar, India.
A. Meena
Department of Statistics and Mathematics, College of Agriculture Rajendranagar, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aims: This study examines various factors influencing farmers’ buying preferences for agri-inputs, particularly between organized and conventional agri-input retail stores.
Study Design: Descriptive and analytical study.
Place and Duration of Study: Conducted in Telangana state, Moinabad mandal, from April 2025 to June 2025.
Methodology: Using a structured questionnaire, the study surveyed 100 farmers equally split between those preferring organized and conventional agri-input retail stores. Descriptive statistics and independent samples t-tests were used to analyze the mean differences in preference and satisfaction levels.
Results and Discussion: Farmers preferred organized stores mainly for better stock availability (mean: 4.52), product quality (4.34), and technical guidance (4.28). Additional favourable factors included digital payment facilities (4.20), after-sales support (4.18), and a variety of brands (4.38). On the other hand, preferences for conventional stores centered around accessibility (4.32), established trust (3.84), and flexible credit systems (3.42). A significant difference (p < 0.001) was found in preference scores: organized stores (mean: 4.04) were rated significantly higher than conventional ones (mean: 3.28).
Conclusion: The shift toward organized agri-input retail illustrates farmers’ growing preference for professionalism, service quality, and reliability, although conventional stores remain valuable due to personal relationships and rural accessibility.
Keywords: Accessibility, agricultural input buying behaviour, agri-inputs, conventional retail, farmer preferences, organized retail, technical guidance