Assessment of Knowledge of Pomegranate Growers of Banaskantha District, Gujarat on Pomegranate Production Technology

Abstract

Aims: To assess the knowledge level of pomegranate growers in the Banaskantha district of Gujarat, regarding pomegranate production technology both before and after training programme. Study Design: No experimental quantitative ex post facto research. Place and Duration of Study: Targeted farmers from four talukas within the jurisdiction of the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK). Methodology: Total 30 trainings covering various aspects of pomegranate production were, conducted both on-campus and off-campus, during year 2019-2022 and 150 trainee farmers were randomly selected for pre- and post-training evaluations. The questionnaire was prepared to evaluate the knowledge. Results: The overall findings revealed that 48.33 percent of growers possessed low knowledge, 36.50 percent had medium knowledge, and 15.17 percent exhibited a higher level of knowledge concerning pomegranate production technology. Specifically, 20.67 percent and 16.67 percent of growers demonstrated good knowledge in integrated nutrient management and harvesting techniques, respectively. Conversely, 49.33 percent and 40.00 percent of growers exhibited low knowledge levels in harvesting techniques, fruit cracking and sun scalding management, and integrated nutrient management. Moreover, the majority of pomegranate growers demonstrated limited knowledge in post-harvest handling (61.33 percent), pest and disease management (56.00 percent), bahar management (50.67 percent), layout and planting, as well as the management of fruit cracking, sun scalding, 48.67 percent), as well as fruit setting and fruit quality management (48.00 percent). The mean knowledge score for pest and disease management was 108.33, which showed substantial improvement from the pre-training mean score of 36.03. Whereas, the aspect of bahar management demonstrated the most significant increase in knowledge (125.15). Conclusion: The post-training evaluation indicated an overall knowledge enhancement of 92.57 percent on various aspects of pomegranate production technology. The assessment of knowledge among pomegranate growers on pomegranate production technology reveals both strengths and areas for improvement.