A Probit Analysis of Factors Affecting Adoption of Improved Crop Varieties by Iranian Farmers

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Research

Authors
Maryam Mahmoodi 1
Abbas Alipour Nakhi 2
Fatemeh Askary Bozayeh 3
Adel Nemati 4
Mahdiyeh Saei 5
Arman Bakhshi Jahromi 6
Akbar Marzooghian 7
Ahmad Soleimani Pour 8
Seyed Ahmad Mohaddes Hossieni 9
Noormohammad Abyar 10
Neda Alizadeh 11
Shahrouz Khorrami 12
Alireza Nikouei 11
Hormoz Asadi 1
1 Seed and Plant Improvement Institute, Agricultural Research, Extension and Education Organization, Karaj, Islamic Republic of Iran.
2 Mazandaran Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, Agricultural Research, Extension and Education Organization, Sari, Islamic Republic of Iran.
3 Gilan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, Agricultural Research, Extension and Education Organization, Rasht, Islamic Republic of Iran.
4 Kermanshah Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, Agricultural Research, Extension and Education Organization, Kermanshah, Islamic Republic of Iran.
5 Kerman Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, Agricultural Research, Extension and Education Organization, Kerman, Islamic Republic of Iran.
6 Fars Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, Agricultural Research, Extension and Education Organization, Shiraz, Islamic Republic of Iran.
7 Khuzestan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, Agricultural Research, Extension and Education Organization, Ahvaz, Islamic Republic of Iran.
8 Isfahan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, Agricultural Research, Extension and Education Organization, Isfahan, Islamic Republic of Iran.
9 Khorasan Razavi Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, Agricultural Research, Extension and Education Organization, Mashhad, Islamic Republic of Iran.
10 Cotton Research Institute of Iran, Agricultural Research, Extension and Education Organization, Gorgan, Islamic Republic of Iran.
11 Agricultural Research, Extension and Education Organization, Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran.
12 Animal Science Research Institute (ASRI), Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization, Tehran, Iran, Karaj, Islamic Republic of Iran.
Abstract
Improved crop varieties are crucial for enhancing global agricultural productivity. This study investigated the factors influencing the adoption of new varieties of irrigated cereals and oilseed crops (released between 2015 and 2022) among Iranian farmers. Data were collected from 1001 respondents using a multistage sampling procedure and analyzed via descriptive statistics and a probit regression model. The results revealed that 58% of the respondents had not adopted the improved varieties introduced during this period. Probit estimates identified several significant factors affecting adoption of new varieties including education, average annual income, access to improved seeds, seed supply system, participation in training courses, communication with pioneer farmers, communication with extension agents, use of social media, attitude towards the superiority of new varieties over the old ones, relative advantage, observability, and compatibility of improved varieties with the region conditions. To enhance the adoption of new varieties, implementation of enlightenment programs through competent extension services—such as participatory variety selection (PVS) farms or model farms—along with effective training courses is recommended. The availability of high-quality seeds at the right time for farmers can also increase the likelihood of adopting new varieties. The significant influence of training and extension agents underscores the vital role of structured outreach and education. Furthermore, the importance of varietal compatibility with regional conditions highlights the need to consider climate adaptability in breeding programs. Understanding these adoption factors can provide relevant research institutions with valuable feedback on their released varieties and insights into barriers to widespread adoption.

Keywords

Subjects

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Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 23 November 2025