Farmer’s preferences to variety traits and sowing methods in wheat production technology in Uttarakhand hills, India

Wheat is one of the most important rabi cereal crop of North-western (NW) Himalayas and together with rice accounts for 64.9 per cent of the total area under cereals in the region. The difference in wheat production and productivity between the hills and plains, however, is very wide. This large gap in productivity is attributable to a host of factors that range from inadequate availability of quality seed to limited use of other inputs, small-fragmented land holdings to rainfed growing conditions. A study was conducted in Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, India to examine farmer’s preferences for crop variety traits and improved sowing method in wheat. Four improved timely sown wheat varieties VL Gehun 907, VL Gehun 953, VL Gehun 967 and VL Gehun 2014 were demonstrated at farmers’ field in mid hill region. Whereas, improved early maturing wheat varieties VL Gehun 892 and VL Gehun 3004 were demonstrated in high hill region. The preference of the farmers was measured by using the Wheat Preference Index (WPI). Empirical findings showed that among timely sown varieties, farmers preferred VL Gehun 953 and VL Gehun 967 mainly for its yield and timely maturity. Similarly, VL Gehun 829 was preferred by farmers among late sown wheat varieties. Among various treatments on improved sowing methods demonstrated, treatment I (improved variety along with line sowing) was preferred by farmers whereas, treatment II (improved variety along with broadcasting) was preferred by farmers in the scenario when farmers’ convenience was also considered. The profitability analysis exhibited treatment I as more profitable with benefit cost ratio of 2.49 followed by treatment II. The results of the study have implications for demand-driven variety development.