Socio-economic and demographic status of Apple growers in relevance to soil health card scheme in Kashmir Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India

Abstract

The present study was conducted in the Districts of Baramulla, Shopian and Pulwama of the Kashmir valley. The areas are specifically known for production of Apple crop. Baramulla popularly known as the Apple town of Kashmir valley having the Asia's second largest fruit mandi. Shopian is 22 Km from Aglar which connects it with Pulwama district is one of the border towns of district. Shopian district is called as Apple bowl of Kashmir valley. Pulwama is famous for rice production. Besides rice, it is famous for quality saffron production all over the world. The district is also famous for production of milk which is largest in the union territory and is also known as Anand of Kashmir. The study was undertaken in these areas to get the first-hand information regarding the impact of soil health card scheme adopted by the Apple growers of the different villages falling in these areas. The study was carried out in randomly selected villages of the three districts of J&K (UT). A sample of 320 growers was taken for collecting the primary data with the help of a well-structured interview schedule. The study reveals that majority of the growers were in the age group of36-55 years, with middle level of education having family size of 5–10 members, possessing a land holding of 1–2 hectares. Majority of the growers were dependent on agriculture for their livelihood with medium experience in holding the soil health card, annual income of more than 13 lakhs, medium scientific orientation, mass media exposure, innovation proneness, economic motivation, perception and majority of the growers had medium extension contacts. Majority of the growers had medium level of knowledge and extent of adoption of soil health card scheme.