Comparative analysis of pesticide use for apple production in North-western Himalayan region

Given to low adoption of recommended practices by farmers, indiscriminate use of pesticides has emerged as a challenge the apple industry faces at present. To understand the level of adoption of the recommended pesticide spray schedule and the level of pesticide use in Kashmir Valley, a survey of 200 respondents from two blocks each from four districts of South Kashmir including Kulgam, Pulwama, Shopian, and Anantnag was conducted in 2021 and 2022. Primary data was collected in the form of a questionnaire keeping objectives into consideration. The study revealed that only 1/4^th of respondents (25.9%) adopted >80% of the spray schedule. 27.84, 25.36, and 20.89 percent of respondents adopted 60-80%, 40-60%, and < 40% of the spray schedule, receptively. Farmers of district Pulwama used maximum pesticide sprays (17.8) while as Anantnag growers sprayed minimum pesticides (14.2). Pesticide costs during the apple growing season were maximum (Rs.109870/ha) in Pulwama and minimum in district Kulgam (Rs.97360/ha). Similarly, pesticide productivity in terms of pesticide cost per kg of apple fruit varied and ranged between Rs.7.07/kg in district Shopian to Rs.8.99/kg in Anantnag.