Perceived Knowledge Level of the Farmers about Fruit Cultivation Practices and Perception towards Fruit Nutrition Garden

Fruits and vegetables play an important role in our daily diet and major nutrients for human health are provided by vegetables and fruits. Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana has developed and promoted Fruit Nutrition Garden among the farming communities to ensure availability of fresh fruits throughout the year. Present investigation was done to check the knowledge level of these farmers about fruit cultivation practices and perception towards fruit nutrition garden. Total 200 farmers were selected for this study from 8 villages of Mohali district. A complete list of farmers was prepared and then 25 farmers was randomly selected from each selected village on the basis of probability proportional to number of farmers in each land holding category. According to this study, 84 per cent respondents were in age group of 31–50 years and 65 per cent respondents were educated up to secondary level. Total 76.50 per cent respondent’s possessed medium to high knowledge while 23.50 per cent respondents had low knowledge level about recommended fruit cultivation practices. From 12 different fruit cultivation practices, irrigation and weed management got I and II rank while planting material and post-harvest management got last positions in rank hierarchy. Positive perception was found towards fruit nutrition garden.