Technological Gaps and Training Needs of Spice Growers in Kalimpong District, West Bengal

Abstract

The current study was undertaken in Kalimpong district of West Bengal to analyze the socio-economic profile of spice growers, understand their knowledge level, recognize technological gaps, and determine urgent training needs focusing specifically on large cardamom, turmeric and ginger. Spices have a crucial role in augmenting farm income and livelihood security of small and marginal farmers in the hill and terai regions of India. Despite the propitious agro-ecological conditions, productivity of major spice crops remains underperforming due to low uptake of recommended production technologies. A multistage sampling design was adopted, and data were collected from randomly selected 200 spice growers, through a semi-structured interview schedule. Acute technological gaps were recorded in seed treatment and chemical weed control (96%), succeeded by fertilizer application and insect pest management (90%). The results highlighted adequate knowledge regarding planting and harvesting practices, while significant gaps were observed in seed treatment, irrigation systems, fertilizer management, and scientific curing. Insect pest management and disease management emerged as the most crucial training areas. The findings underscore the need for location-specific, demand-driven and focused extension interventions to bridge technological gaps and promote sustainable spice cultivation in the hill ecosystem of West Bengal.