Evaluation of Agronomic Practices based on the Knowledge Level of Small and Big Guava growers of Rajasthan State

Abstract

The present research work was carried out to assess the practices followed by guava growers of Sawai Madhopur District of Rajasthan. For the study, a sample size of small (n=54) and big guava growers (n=66) from six different villages were selected using simple random sampling technique. Assessment of knowledge regarding different agronomic practices comprised of usage of improved varieties, vegetative propagation method, planting practices, type of irrigation system used, usage of manure and fertilizers and plant protection measures etc. was made. The knowledge gap was categorized into three different classes as highest, medium and low based on mean percent score (MPS). The results showed that highest level of knowledge gap found in case of vegetative propagation (41.75%), irrigation system (35.83%) and plant protection measures (34.62%). Further recorded that the medium level of knowledge gap in package of practices like improved varieties (30.83%), harvesting and marketing(30.65%) and cultural practices (22.35%) while lowest level of knowledge gaps was found in practices like planting practices (4.05%) and manure a fertilizers (13.02%) among the total majority of guava growers regarding improved guava cultivation practices. The results further elucidated that there was a significant difference found between small and big guava growers with respect to agronomic practice followed to improve guava production technology. Thus, it can be concluded that the big guava growers had more knowledge about major practices of guava cultivation than small guava growers.