High Density Apple Plantation in Kashmir Valley: An Evaluation of Socio-Economic Determinants of Knowledge, Adoption, Sources and Channels of Communication and Constraints Faced by Apple Growers

The study was conducted in five districts of Kashmir valley selected purposively, owing to the majority of high density apple growers. A multistage sampling procedure was adopted for the study. From the study it was revealed that majority of the apple growers relied mostly on Horticulture Development Officers (100.00%) followed by SKUAST-K scientists (44.00%) and KVKs (17.00%) for their guidance and suggestions with regard to high density apple plantation system. Majority of the apple growers made use of T.V. (75.50%) and radio (56.50%) as a source of information which was followed by other sources like newspapers, social media and extension literature. It was found that high initial cost for orchard establishment was the major constraint faced by the apple growers (97.50%), with rank I, followed by short life span of HDP (90.00%), rank II and lack of technical support (89.00%), with rank III.