Constraints Faced by Almond Growers in Adoption of Recommended Package of Practices in Pampore Area of Kashmir Valley

Abstract

The present study was conducted in the Pampore block of the Kashmir valley. The area is specifically known for production of world’s most precious spice viz. Saffron.  Owing to its Karewa lands, the area is known to produce top quality almonds both bitter and sweet ones. The study was undertaken in this area to get the first-hand information regarding the production technology adopted by the almond growers of the different villages falling in Pampore area in order to enable the policy makers to develop strategies for the transfer for technology wherever there exists any such scope for the same. The study was carried out in five randomly selected villages of Horticulture block Pampore of district Pulwama of J&K (UT). A sample of 120 almond growers was taken for collecting the primary data with the help of a well-structured interview schedule. The study reveals that majority of the respondents were literate with middle age (16-30 years) having family size of 6-10 members, possessing a land holding of above 2 hectares. Majority of the respondents were dependent on agriculture for their livelihood with farming experience of 16-30 years, annual income upto Rs 2 lakhs, medium sources of information and scientific orientation and majority of the respondents had medium extension contacts. Majority of the respondents (46.67 percent) had medium level adoption regarding the recommended package of practices.