Documentation of Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. Botrytis) Cultivation Practices: Insights from Jammu & Kashmir (UT), India

Abstract

A descriptive study was conducted in the Jammu district of Jammu region, Jammu and Kashmir (Union Territory) in 2020-2021 to explore the ground level adoption of cauliflower cultivation practices in Jammu region, as J&K (UT) stands out for its remarkable cauliflower productivity (31 t/ha) surpassing both the national average productivity (19.2 t/ha) and the productivity of all other states. The study employed a multistage sampling design to select a total sample of 160 cauliflower growers. Findings reveals that majority of the farmers (63%) in study area have embraced unique and non-conventional cauliflower hybrids like Girja, Maharani, Garima, White Excel and other hybrids. These particular hybrids have not received any endorsement from the State Agriculture University (SKUAST-J) and not been documented elsewhere and surprisingly such hybrids exhibited remarkable average productivity of 33.17 t/ha in study area as well as elite growth performance, high disease resistance, high frost resistance, etc, as compare to open pollinated variety which gives productivity of 20.93 t/ha. In addition to this, farmers were conscientious in applying critical production and protection inputs which significantly impacting productivity of cauliflower crop.