To Study the Extent of Adoption of Recommended Horticulture Technologies under the National Horticulture Mission in Krishnagiri District of Tamil Nadu

The study on the adoption of recommended horticulture technologies under NHM in Krishnagiri district revealed that the majority (91.66 per cent) of NHM beneficiaries adopt the recommended variety of horticulture crops in their cultivation. Regarding soil preference, about 83.33 per cent of the respondents are aware and cultivate according to the recommendations of the State Department of Horticulture. In nursery management, a high (75.00 per cent) percentage of the horticulture farmers follow the recommended methods for raising their nursery. Regarding the preparation of the field for raising floriculture crops, more than half of the respondents (66.66 per cent) adopt the recommended field preparation methods. The majority of floriculture farmers (91.66 per cent) follow the recommended planting season, as it improves flower crop production and increases profits. In pit size, three-fourths (75.00 per cent) of the respondents do not follow the recommended pit size under flower cultivation. Half (50.00 per cent) of the respondents both follow and do not follow the recommended spacing in flower crop cultivation. Regarding the recommended time of first irrigation, the majority (91.66 per cent) in this study followed it. For the first weeding, the majority (60.00 per cent) follow the recommended weed management practices, while 40.00 per cent do not. This variation in weeding practices and their management depends on the specific field conditions. The majority (75.00 per cent) follow the recommended fertiliser application. More than half (58.33 per cent) of the respondents cultivate the recommended intercrops to gain more remuneration. About micronutrient application for raising flower crops, the majority (56.66 per cent) adopt the recommended micronutrient doses in their flower cultivation. The majority (61.66%) do not follow the recommended plant protection measures. Half (53.33%) of floriculture farmers in the study area do not follow the recommended fungicide for leaf spot disease due to a lack of proper awareness. About 51.66 per cent of the respondents in this study follow the recommended fungicide for controlling powdery mildew disease in the study area. More than half of the respondents (60.00 per cent) in this study adopt the recommended harvest time.