Productivity Determinants and Production Constraints of Apple (<I>Malus</i> Spp) in Jumla District of Nepal

Abstract

A study was conducted to determine the factors affecting apple productivity and production constraints in the Jumla district of Nepal from February to June 2023. A total of 70 respondents were selected by using a simple random sampling technique. Semi-structured questionnaires and focus group discussions were used to collect the primary data. Secondary data were collected from ADO reports, Apple super zone and, CBS. SPSS was used to analyze the collected data and descriptive statistics were used to describe socio-demographic characteristics using frequency and percentage. A multiple regression model was used to determine factors affecting Apple's productivity. It showed that 61.7% of the productivity was explained by independent variables used in the model. The result of the regression model showed that years of farming experience and tree density were found positively significant at 10% and 1% level of significance. Intercropping was found negatively significant at 10% level of significance. The relative importance index method was used for ranking the production constraints of Apple. Insect disease damage was found to be the most important constraint to apple production with a high index value (0.911) followed by problem of irrigation (0.703), ineffective extension services (0.497), unavailability of inputs (0.451) and labor costs (0.437). Therefore the study suggests increased tree density, years of farming experience, and the introduction of effective bio pesticides are needed for improving the apple sector in the study area. For the better production and productivity of apple, further study on effective biopesticides, promising resistant varieties and sustainable orchard management practices are needed.