Knowledge of Farmers towards Adoption of Grape Cultivation for Wine Making in Champhai District, Mizoram

Abstract

Grape cultivation plays a significant role in India, contributing to its economy, nutrition, and employment opportunities. Specifically, grape cultivation for wine production holds great importance, both economically and in terms of farmers' attitudes. This study was conducted in Champhai town, Mizoram, to explore the social and psychological factors that influence the acceptance of large-scale wine making. Descriptive research design was followed for the present study. The findings of this research showed that the majority of respondents in the study belonged to the middle age group (36-55), had a basic level of education, predominantly from nuclear families and farming was their primary occupation. The study found that most respondents had moderate levels of scientific orientation, mass media exposure, progressiveness, and extension contacts. In terms of knowledge, 15% of respondents demonstrated a high level, while 52.50% had a moderate level, and 32.50% had a low level of knowledge about grape cultivation practices. Age, education, occupation, extension contacts, mass media exposure, family type, family size, source of information utilized, progressiveness, and scientific orientation were identified as factors influencing knowledge. The major constraints identified were the heavy attack of pests, diseases, nematodes, and weeds, as well as inadequate management of fertilizers and pesticides.