Knowledge and Attitude of the Pomegranate Growers about Recommended Cultivation Technology in Pune District of Maharashtra, India

Abstract

Pomegranate is a significant fruit crop in dry and semi-arid locations around the world. It is the most commercially used crop due to its wide adaptability, hardiness, low maintenance cost, consistent high yields, great table purpose, and superior keeping quality. A thorough assessment of the producers' knowledge and attitudes towards enhanced cultivation practices of pomegranate would aid in developing appropriate extension and research programmes to increase farmers knowledge level. The study was done in 2023-2024 to determine farmers' knowledge and attitudes towards recommended farming technology for pomegranate growers in the Pune area of Maharashtra. Data for the study were collected from 10 respondents each from 12 villages in the Haveli and Purandhar talukas of Pune district by using a well-structured interview schedule. A total number of 120 respondents were interviewed and the data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics and correlation technique. Pomegranate growers have medium to high levels of knowledge about approved pomegranate farming technology. Majority of pomegranate producers had a moderate attitude, followed by a high attitude towards recommended pomegranate growing technology. Education, occupation, land holding size, annual income, mass media exposure, risk-bearing capacity, progressiveness, and scientific orientation all influence pomegranate growers' knowledge and attitude level, whereas age, marital status, and type of house have no effect on                           knowledge of pomegranate growers. Age was negatively influenced by the attitude of farmers. It is recommended that to enhance knowledge and attitude of pomegranate growers, the            extension department should implement integrated extension activities, capacity building initiatives etc.