Training needs of apple growers of district Budgam, J & K

Abstract

The study identified training needs of apple growers in district Budgam, J&K. Purposive sampling technique was used to select two blocks (Beerwah and Khan Sahib), four zones, eight circles and eighty apple farmers were selected for the study. Some of the data were analyzed with percentage and mean score while some were presented in charts. Majority (77.5%) of the respondents did not have contact with extension agents in 2012 and they sourced information apple from neighbours (86.3%).The mean annual expenditure and income from apple were Rs. 27, 568 and Rs. 235, 530, respectively. Majority (96.2%) of the respondents had no training on processing and preservation of apple and off season production of apple (85%). Majority of the respondents indicated that training on apple should be organized by researchers (65%) through interpersonal communication (83.8%) using local language (kashmiri) (78.8%). Provision of effective micro-credit facilities (M=2.84) and stability of government policy (stability of price of apple) (M=2.68) were perceived by the respondents as major strategies that will improve apple production in the area. The study encouraged building capacities of apple farmers through informal training especially in the areas of processing, preservation and off-season production of apple so that they can face challenges of the enterprise, boost their farm size and income.

Evaluation of Dormancy Mechanism in Teak (Tectona grandis Linn.f) True Seeds Collected from Multiple Provenances and Forest Types of India

“…It is native to Myanmar, India, Laos, and Thailand and is considered among the top five tropical hardwood species worldwide (De Gyves et al, 2007). India has the largest teak forest and teak plantation area i.e., 9.0 million ha (Bhat and Ma, 2004). Difficulties in establishing large-scale plantations of teak are due to poor and erratic germination.…”

Economics of Teak (Tectona grandis L. F.) plantation with different spacing and organic inputs in Semi-arid region of Rajasthan

“…The wood is dark golden yellow heartwood, which darkens with age Akinsami, (1985) [1] . Teak has a high tolerance for drought and it is both insect and disease resistant (Bhatt and Hwon, 2004) [5] . Where sprouts are able to grow into mature trees, sprouting may be a more effective means of reestablishment than the slow-growing seedlings (Harcombe andMarks 1983, Ohkubo, 1992) [11,17] .…”