Constraints Faced by Guava Growers in Adoption of Guava Production Technology and Suggestions for Suitable Extension Strategies to Overcome the Problem in Bijnor District of UP

Abstract

Guava grown in diverse agro-climatic conditions faces differential biotic and abiotic stress that limiting the production and productivity of guava and consequently, influenced the economic condition of its growers. Keeping these facts in mind, the present study was conducted in Bijnor district of UP to find out the constraints faced by guava growers in adoption of production technology and suggest suitable extension strategies to overcome the problems. Two villages from 11 blocks were selected randomly on the basis of orchard availability. Five guava Growers was selected from each selected village. Thus, the total sample size for the investigation was 110 respondents who faced constraints in adoption of guava production technology. The guava respondents faced the constraints in adoption of guava production technology. Total constraints mainly divided into five groups. Among the input constraints, unavailability of quality chemicals like plant growth regulator, water soluble fertilizer and plant protection chemicals at government sale centre got first rank with 77.27 percent respondent, followed by unavailability of quality sapling of guava at Government nursery (73.64 percent). Among the technological constraints, lack of knowledge about organic farming of guava got first rank with 91.82 percent respondents followed by lack of knowledge about drip irrigation schedules (89.09 percent). Among the socio- psychological constraints, lack of coordination among the beneficiary and state/district horticulture department got the first rank with 92.73 percent respondents followed by inadequate extension activities conducted by state/district horticulture department (88.18 percent). Among the marketing constraints, exploitation of guava growers by middlemen got first rank with 92.73 percent respondents followed by lack of quality storage facility (87.27 percent). Among the financial constraints, lack of government funding of loan and granting of subsidies got first rank with 94.55 percent followed by high labour charges (92.73 percent). Lack of knowledge about organic farming of guava was identified as major constraints in qualitative guava production. It is therefore suggested the extension workers should organize guava growers in different groups of organic farming. They should plan knowledgeable programmes for the respondents so they can be motivated to what the organic farming of guava and can increase their knowledge about quality guava production practices through extension work like group discussion, training, demonstrations, exhibition, etc. The growers therefore are required to be educated to follow up all the recommended production practices for guava, use of timely inputs, nutrients and plant protection management practices which will help in increasing the production and productivity.