Technological Gaps in Recommended Mustard Production Technology among the Farmers of Baramulla District in Kashmir Valley

Abstract

The study was conducted during 2022-23 in Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir to assess the knowledge level and technological gaps among brown sarson growers and to identify the socio-economic factors influencing these gaps. A total of 151 registered brown sarson growers were selected from ten villages in five sub-agricultural zones of Pattan using proportionate allocation sampling. Data were collected through a structured interview schedule and analysed using descriptive statistics and Spearman’s rank correlation. The findings revealed that 52.32 per cent of the respondents possessed a medium level of knowledge regarding recommended brown sarson production practices, whereas 24.50 per cent and 23.18 per cent had high and low knowledge levels, respectively. The study further indicated substantial technological gaps in nutrient management, irrigation management, plant protection measures and post-harvest practices. Overall, 56.29 per cent of the respondents exhibited high technological gaps, followed by 25.83 per cent with medium gaps and 17.88 per cent with low gaps. Correlation analysis showed that education, total landholding, occupation, total income, income from mustard cultivation and economic motivation were negatively and significantly associated with technological gaps, while area under mustard cultivation exhibited a positive and significant relationship. The study concluded that strengthening extension services, improving farmers’ economic status and enhancing access to technical information are essential for reducing technological gaps and improving the productivity of brown sarson in Kashmir Valley.