Socio-Economic Factors Affecting Adoption of Improved Apple Cultivars in District Bandipora (J&K)

The present study examined the socio-economic factors affecting the adoption of improved cultivars of apple in District Bandipora of J&K state. The study was carried out in five villages of block Bandipora. Five out of 75 villages were purposively selected due to their popularity in Apple cultivation and maximum production. One hundred and fifty growers were randomly selected and interviewed with the help of pre-tested and pre-structured interview schedule to find out the socio-economic attributes of respondents, the factors affecting the adoption of improved Apple cultivars and suggestions to improve the production of apple in the study area. The data collected during the course of the study were analyzed using descriptive statistical techniques viz. frequency, per centages, tables and probit model analysis. The results of the present study revealed that the major factors affecting the adoption of improved apple cultivars were adaptability of the technology, age, compatibility, educational status, sex and complexity of the technology. The results of the study also revealed that more of elderly people adopt improved apple cultivars in the study area and the adopters were more of elderly group. It is therefore recommended that growers suggestions must be adhere to in order to boost apple production in the state. Men and youths should be encouraged to go in to apple farming in the study area through individual motivation.