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ThesisItem Open Access A Comparative Study of Attitude and Adoption of Frozen Foodamong the Consumers of Jammu City and Chandigarh City(Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Jammu, 2023-10-30) Sodhi, Somiya Kaur; Dwivedi, SudhakarThe demand for frozen food has surged due to urbanization, nuclear families, and working women. Frozen food is convenient to prepare, longer shelf life reduces waste, benefiting regions with limited seasonal food. Busy lifestyles and improved quality of frozen food products are motivating people to choose frozen options for easy and satisfying meals. While choosing frozen food, nutritional value and price play an important role. The frozen food industry in India was estimated to be worth INR 124.06 billion in 2021 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 16.27% to INR 309.07 billion by 2027. This comparative study examines consumer attitude, adoption, perception and constraints in Jammu and Chandigarh towards frozen food. The study was conducted by purposively selecting five stores from each city selling frozen food along with regular food items and thus a total sample size of 200 consumers were selected for the study. Primary data was collected with a questionnaire. The results were analysed with the help of percentage analysis, Garret rank, single mean Z test, two mean Z test and Chi-square test. The results show that the main reasons given by the respondents for the purchase of frozen food were that they are easy to cook, less time consuming, have longer shelf life and are convenient to store. The results also show that respondents of both the cities believed that more awareness needs to be created about frozen food and that frozen food are good for health. The main constraint in adoption in Jammu city was less availability of frozen food while in Chandigarh city it was the lack of nutritional value. Also, respondents consider frozen food to be costlier than regular food. It was also found that factors such as gender and age highly influence the perception of consumers while purchasing frozen foodThesisItem Open Access A Study on Analysis of Young Consumers Food Lifestyle Behaviour in Fast Food Sector(Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Jammu, 2023-11-13) Bhardwaj, Ruby; Singh, Sanjay PrakashThe present study entitled “A Study on Analysis of Young Consumers food Lifestyle Behaviour in fast food sector” in Jammu city was carried out on the basis of primary as well as secondary data. Four restaurants were chosen purposefully, with 100 customers (25 from each) selected randomly. Employing a descriptive approach, findings revealed most respondents consumedfast food weekly and their favourite time of eating is evening time. The study revealed that the main reason of consuming fast food is its taste. Therefore, the monthly spending exceeded 1000Rs. Thestudyrevealedconsumerpreferenceonthebasisofcuisinesandmostlyconsumerspreferred Italian food items, also revealed that consumers mostly preferred spicy flavour. Using Garrett ranking, the study revealed that the main constraints in consuming fast food and services providedbytherestaurantsismoredistancefromhome.Theresponsesoftheconsumersrevealed thatthefoodwhichismostsuitedbythemduringthischangingeraoflifestyleishighlynutritious food.Atlastvarioussuggestionswererecordedthatweretakenfromtheconsumers,themajority of the consumers said that more varieties should be present in the menu. Also various marketing strategieswererecommendbytheconsumerstoboostupthegrowthofthefastfoodsector.Most of the consumers said that aesthetic vibes must be there and the variety of food in reasonable prices.ThesisItem Open Access A STUDY ON AWARENESS AND PREFERENCE FOR MILK BRANDIN JAMMUDISTRICT OF JAMMU &KASHMIR(Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Jammu, 2023-10-13) Shivani; Bhat, AnilThis research examines the dynamics of milk production and consumption in India, with a special focus on the Jammu and Kashmir region of the Union Territory (UT). The study aims to provide an overview of the country's significant contribution to global milk production and its growing consumption patterns. Additionally, it analysis the rapid growth of milk production in India, along with specific figures related to Jammu and Kashmir's milk output and market surplus.As of 2020, the worldwide milk consumption stood at approximately 190 metric tons. India has emerged as the top milk-producing country, contributing a substantial 23% share of global milk production. This achievement highlights India's prominent position in the dairy industry, with consistent growth over the years.The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of milk production in India has been an impressive 6.2% between 2014-15 and 2020-21. Over this period, milk production surged from 146.31 million tonnes to 209.96 million tonnes. This remarkable growth rate signifies the nation's relentless efforts to bolster its dairy sector and meet rising demands.By the year ending December 2021, India's milk consumption reached 83 metric tonnes, reflecting a substantial domestic demand. Within India, the Jammu and Kashmir region of the Union Territory (UT) stands out as a significant contributor to milk production. The current milk production in this region is recorded at 697.5 thousand tonnes and 732.91 thousand tonnes, with market surpluses of 235.06 thousand tonnes and 246.98 thousand tonnes, respectively. These figures highlight the region's vital role in ensuring a surplus of milk in the market.India's dairy industry has demonstrated remarkable progress over the years, cementing its position as the top global milk producer. The country's impressive compound annual growth rate in milk production indicates a thriving dairy sector. The specific case of the Jammu and Kashmir region exemplifies its substantial contribution to India's milk production and market surplus. Overall, this research provides valuable insights into the dynamic landscape of milk production and consumption in India, emphasizing the importance of the dairy sector in the country's economy.The study has conducted on 100respondents and 10 institutes employing random sampling.This research findings indicate a clear preference for snow cap and Amul milk brands over other competitors. The study identifies quality as the most influential factor in creating brand awareness among consumers, followed by taste and the brand's availability in the market. Additionally, the research highlights that consumers prioritize taste and their individual milk preferences when making purchasing decisions, whereas institutes prioritize packaging as a crucial factor in their milk brand selection process. These insights provide valuable information for milk brands to understand consumer behaviour and preferences, as well as tailor their marketing strategies to cater to both individual consumers and institutional buyers.ThesisItem Open Access A Study on Consumer Preferences for Savory Snack Food in Jammu City(Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Jammu, 2023-11-07) Geetanjali; Dwivedi, SudhakarSavory snack foods are those eaten in between meals. Domestic and global corporations have recently become involved in the development of savory snack food as a result of government incentives. The current study attempted to examine purchase behaviour, variables impacting consumption, and advertising tactics for savory snack items in Jammu city. Total samples of 110 consumers were interviewed for the study. The main objective was to analyse the purchasing behaviour of the consumers, factor influencing consumption of snack foods and to document the promotional strategies used for savory snack foods. For the present study the savouries which were selected included chips, namkeen, sandwich and noodles. All the sample consumers were aware of savory snack foods. The awareness level for all the savory foods selected were cent percent. Maggi, yippee, potato chips, aloo bhujia & pav bhaji’s awareness level was highest among the consumers. Majority of the consumers were mainly influenced by advertisements in TV. Modern convenient retail stores were preferred by the consumers for purchasing chips, namkeen, noodles and sandwich. The important attributes considered while purchasing savory snack foods included product quality, brand popularity, product range and promotional strategy. Multiple linear regression analysis indicates that family size and monthly household income had significant influence on consumption of savory snack foods. The most important reason for consumption of savory snack foods by the consumers was due to its ease of availability. Eating at home was the most preferred place for consumption of savory snack foods. Attractive packaging and creative advertisements were the most important factors influencing the savory snack foods consumption. The consumers of savory snack foods attached high degree of importance to the taste, hence, food processing companies shall focus on regional taste.ThesisItem Open Access A study on Consumption of Agricultural Inputs and Analysis of Market Share of Agri Input Companies for Cereal Crops in Jammu District(Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Jammu, 2023-10-12) Thakur, Shagun; Bhat, AnilInputs for agriculture include commodities like seeds, fertilizer, insecticides, and equipment that are necessary for increasing agricultural output and guaranteeing food security. They provide the framework for contemporary farming methods, allowing farmers to maximize yields and uphold sustainable agricultural practices. Hence a study titled, “A study on Consumption of Agricultural Inputs and Analysis of Market Share of Agri Input Companies for Cereal Crops in Jammu District” was carried out in which CAGR, Factor analysis, Garret’s ranking, tabular analysis, and various regression models were used and secondary data was collected from various published sources/agencies. A total of 60 farmers, 10 retailers, and 10 distributors were interviewed using a pre-tested schedule to conduct the study. In the survey, it was found that there has been a rising tendency in the consumption of certified cereals quality seed, fertiliser, and pesticides in India and Jammu & Kashmir over the previous years. The majority of the money spent by farmers in the Jammu district goes towards fertiliser inputs for growing paddy and wheat. Jammu's farmers underutilize fertilisers for the majority of the time. The market for urea and DAP was dominated by IFFCO, and in case of MOP IPL owns the majority of the market share. The Bayer firm dominates the weedicide, fungicide, and insecticide markets. According to retailers and distributors, Yamuna seeds hold the bulk of the market share for wheat and paddy seeds, respectively. Product characteristics, Branding & Pricing, Packaging & Labelling, and Promotion & Advertisements were factors that affect farmers' brand preferences, on the basis of results. Farmers were most influenced by banners and posters used in promotional activities for the sale of agri-inputs, while retailers and distributors were most influenced by frequent visits from company representatives used in promotional activities for the sale of agri-inputs.ThesisItem Open Access A study on market potential and consumption pattern of herbicides in Black gram of Jammu district(Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Jammu, 2023-11-16) Thakur, Anshul; Kachroo, JyotiBlack gram scientifically known as Vigna mungo is a highly prized pulse originating from South Asia. It is extensively cultivated in India particularly in the southern region as well as in Bangladesh and Nepal. India is the largest producer and consumer of black gram contributing about 70% of the world's production. In 2020-21 India produced 2.45 million tonnes of black gram from 4.6 million hectares of land, with an average productivity of 533 kg per hectare. Black gram cultivation accounts for 19% of India's pulse acreage, supporting 23% of the country's total pulse production. The study focused on assessing the market potential and consumption pattern of herbicides in black gram cultivation in Jammu district. The main objectives were to analyse the market potential of herbicides, study the consumption pattern, and understand farmer preferences. Primary data was collected from 60 farmers and 20 dealers in the district. The major herbicide used in the study area was Bayer's Round up (Glyphosate), along with Iris (Pendimethalin) as pre-emergence herbicides. The annual growth rate for these herbicides was 29.61% and 30.75% respectively. In post-emergence herbicides, Agil, Tagpyr, Hakama, and Whip super were consumed by farmers at rates of 35%, 27%, 24%, and 14% respectively. Farmer preferences were influenced by factors such as awareness, affordability, quality, purchasing influence, and other constraints.ThesisItem Open Access A Study on Processing and Marketing of Mango and Aonla Based Value Added Product in Jammu Region(Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Jammu, 2023-10-13) Pathania, Paras; Bhat, AnilThe present study entittled“A Study on Processing and Marketing ofMangoand Aonla Based Value Added Product in Jammu Region’’ was conducted inJammudivisionduringtheyear2021-October, 2023.Threeprocessingindustriesmanufacturingmangoandaonlaproductswereselectedrandomlyforcollectionof data related to procurement and value addition. The total cost incurred forprocessingofonequintalmangopickleinUnitI,IIandIIIwere₹9733.82,₹7361.60and₹14168.94,respectively,whereasforaonla,itwas₹8717.32,₹6634.00and₹9670.48,respectively.Grossreturnfrom1quintalofmangoprocessedwas₹17100.00,₹19040.00,₹27600.00,whereasfromaonla,itwas₹18300.00, ₹20640.00, ₹30000.00 in unit I, II and III. Cost-benefit ratios wasfound to be 1:1.76, 1:2.59 and 1:1.95 for mango pickle and for aonla it was foundout to be 1:2.09, 1:3.11 and 1:3.10 respectively. The net present value recorded at10and16percentratewas₹156.57lakhsand₹71.10lakhsforunitIand₹1567.72 lakhs and ₹854.94 for unit III. The IRR for Unit I and UnitIII wasfound to be 29 per cent and 28 per cent, therefore the major profitable Unit wasrecorded to beUnitIII.Three marketing channels were identifiedin thestudy.ThemajormarketingchannelforMangoandAonlawas“Industry-Retailer-Consumer, Farmer-Consumer and Industry-Self owned retail shop-Consumer” inUnit I, II and III, respectively. The major constraints were off-season problems,power supplyand location problem.ThesisItem Open Access “Adoption and Adoptability of Knol-khol (Brassica oleracea L. var. gongaloides) Varieties in Sub-tropics of Jammu region”(Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu, 2021-06) Sharma, Akhil; Sharma, L.K.Knol-khol is a European vegetable and is very popular in Jammu and Kashmir union territory (UT) of India. Jammu, Samba and Udhampur districts of the UT are famous for the production of quality knol-khol. Jammu and Samba districts were selected for the study as they have the maximum area under knol-khol cultivation in Jammu region. A proportionate random sampling procedure, based on the area under knol-khol cultivation in these districts was employed for the selection of villages. The area under knol- khol cultivation in Jammu district and Samba district was 599 ha and 121 ha, respectively. A list of knol-khol growing villages was prepared and 12 villages from Jammu district and 2 villages from Samba district were randomly selected. A list of knol-khol growing farmers with a minimum of 1 kanal (1/20 ha) area under vegetable cultivation was prepared from the selected villages during the year 2020 and 10 farmers from each selected village were randomly selected, thereby making a total sample size of 140 farmers for the purpose of the study. The KVK Samba carried out front line demonstrations (FLDs) of the university released G 40 variety of knol-khol. The KVK laid 9 demonstrations on the farmers’ fields, each in 2017-18 and 2018-19. In the year 2019-20 KVK samba again laid the FLDs for 20 farmers. Thus, to study the adoption and adoptability of university released G 40 knol-khol variety, 38 farmers of Samba district were selected as final respondents. Thus, a total sample of 178 (140+ 38) farmers were taken as respondents for the present study. Among 178 respondents, 1 of the respondent who was given G 40 seed by KVK Samba could not sow the seed. The result of the study showed that average age of the respondent was 46 (SD= ±14.08) years. Average education of the respondents was 9.0±3.36 years. Majority of the respondents (62%) had agriculture as only source of income. Average land holding of the respondent farmer was 1.24±0.65 hectare. Average experience in knol-khol cultivation of the respondents was 23.64±10.48 years. Majority of the respondents (73%) had pump/ motor pump as a source of irrigation for their fields. The major source of information of the knol-khol growers were input dealers, followed by agriculture department and progressive farmers. Average area under G 40, King of Market (KOM) and Purple Viena (PV) was 0.09±0.08 ha, 0.22±0.14 ha and 0.19±0.11 ha, respectively. SKUAST Jammu was a source of seed for all the G 40 growers, whereas for KOM and PV growers, the source of seed was input dealers. Average cost of land preparation was Rs. 5669.49±1351.71. Majority of G 40 growers had directly sown the knol-khol in the month of October 2018-19-20, whereas majority of the KOM and PV growers had directly sown knol-khol in the month of September 2020. There was no insect/ pest attack in G 40 and PV variety of knol-khol whereas in KOM, only 5 per cent of the respondents identified insects and all of them used chemical method to control insects/ pests and average quantity of pesticides applied was 0.84±0.29 litre/ha. Average production per respondent of G 40, KOM, PV varieties of knol-khol was 17.48 ±9.84 q, 43.68±24.22 q and 36.30±19.26 q, respectively. Average sale price of G 40, KOM and PV varieties of knol-khol was ₹1385±9.76, ₹1459±186.8 and ₹1464±219.43 per quintal. Average yield of G 40, KOM and PV varieties was 213.51±33.35 q/ha, 198.62±31.06 q/ha and 185±40.44 q/ha, respectively. Method of sowing, seed rate and quantity of DAP applied significantly affected productivity of university released variety G 40. Seed rate, depth of sowing, month of sowing and quantity of DAP applied, significantly affected productivity of KOM variety. Method of sowing, area under PV variety, seed rate and quantity of urea applied significantly affected the productivity of PV variety of knol-khol. Area under knol-khol, quantity of DAP applied in nursery, quantity of decomposer applied in nursery, depth of ploughing and use of pre-emergence weedicides significantly affected the productivity of both the university released and other varieties. The overall value obtained on adoptability index developed by Peshin, R (2013) was 0.82.The input:output ratio was highest in G 40 (6.19:1), followed by PV (5.06:1) and in KOM it was (4.83:1) . The benefit:cost (B:C) ratio was highest in G 40 (5.19) followed by PV (4.06) and then KOM (3.83).ThesisItem Open Access Adoption and Adoptability of Knol-khol (Brassica oleracea var. gongyloides) Varieties in Sub-tropics of Jammu region(Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu, 2021-06) Sharma, Akhil; Sharma, L.K.Knol-khol is a European vegetable and is very popular in Jammu and Kashmir union territory (UT) of India. Jammu, Samba and Udhampur districts of the UT are famous for the production of quality knol-khol. Jammu and Samba districts were selected for the study as they have the maximum area under knol-khol cultivation in Jammu region. A proportionate random sampling procedure, based on the area under knol-khol cultivation in these districts was employed for the selection of villages. The area under knol- khol cultivation in Jammu district and Samba district was 599 ha and 121 ha, respectively. A list of knol-khol growing villages was prepared and 12 villages from Jammu district and 2 villages from Samba district were randomly selected. A list of knol-khol growing farmers with a minimum of 1 kanal (1/20 ha) area under vegetable cultivation was prepared from the selected villages during the year 2020 and 10 farmers from each selected village were randomly selected, thereby making a total sample size of 140 farmers for the purpose of the study. The KVK Samba carried out front line demonstrations (FLDs) of the university released G 40 variety of knol-khol. The KVK laid 9 demonstrations on the farmers’ fields, each in 2017-18 and 2018-19. In the year 2019-20 KVK samba again laid the FLDs for 20 farmers. Thus, to study the adoption and adoptability of university released G 40 knol-khol variety, 38 farmers of Samba district were selected as final respondents. Thus, a total sample of 178 (140+ 38) farmers were taken as respondents for the present study. Among 178 respondents, 1 of the respondent who was given G 40 seed by KVK Samba could not sow the seed. The result of the study showed that average age of the respondent was 46 (SD= ±14.08) years. Average education of the respondents was 9.0±3.36 years. Majority of the respondents (62%) had agriculture as only source of income. Average land holding of the respondent farmer was 1.24±0.65 hectare. Average experience in knol-khol cultivation of the respondents was 23.64±10.48 years. Majority of the respondents (73%) had pump/ motor pump as a source of irrigation for their fields. The major source of information of the knol-khol growers were input dealers, followed by agriculture department and progressive farmers. Average area under G 40, King of Market (KOM) and Purple Viena (PV) was 0.09±0.08 ha, 0.22±0.14 ha and 0.19±0.11 ha, respectively. SKUAST Jammu was a source of seed for all the G 40 growers, whereas for KOM and PV growers, the source of seed was input dealers. Average cost of land preparation was Rs. 5669.49±1351.71. Majority of G 40 growers had directly sown the knol-khol in the month of October 2018-19-20, whereas majority of the KOM and PV growers had directly sown knol-khol in the month of September 2020. There was no insect/ pest attack in G 40 and PV variety of knol-khol whereas in KOM, only 5 per cent of the respondents identified insects and all of them used chemical method to control insects/ pests and average quantity of pesticides applied was 0.84±0.29 litre/ha. Average production per respondent of G 40, KOM, PV varieties of knol-khol was 17.48 ±9.84 q, 43.68±24.22 q and 36.30±19.26 q, respectively. Average sale price of G 40, KOM and PV varieties of knol-khol was `1385±9.76, `1459±186.8 and `1464±219.43 per quintal. Average yield of G 40, KOM and PV varieties was 213.51±33.35 q/ha, 198.62±31.06 q/ha and 185±40.44 q/ha, respectively. Method of sowing, seed rate and quantity of DAP applied significantly affected productivity of university released variety G 40. Seed rate, depth of sowing, month of sowing and quantity of DAP applied, significantly affected productivity of KOM variety. Method of sowing, area under PV variety, seed rate and quantity of urea applied significantly affected the productivity of PV variety of knol-khol. Area under knol-khol, quantity of DAP applied in nursery, quantity of decomposer applied in nursery, depth of ploughing and use of pre-emergence weedicides significantly affected the productivity of both the university released and other varieties. The overall value obtained on adoptability index developed by Peshin, R (2013) was 0.82.The input:output ratio was highest in G 40 (6.19:1), followed by PV (5.06:1) and in KOM it was (4.83:1) . The benefit:cost (B:C) ratio was highest in G 40 (5.19) followed by PV (4.06) and then KOM (3.83).ThesisItem Open Access Adoption Behavior of Buffalo Farmers in Rajouri District(Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology, Jammu (J&K), 2021-11-11) Sharma, Jagriti; Khandi, S. A.Buffalo rearing is one of the crucial activity in Jammu division which influences the livelihood of the dairy farmers. Population of buffaloes in J&K is 7.38 lakh. Rajouri district contributes 18.00 percent to the total buffalo population of Jammu and Kashmir. It is second largest district in terms of buffalo population. Further, adoption of recommended buffalo rearing practices by the dairy farmers plays a major role in enhancing the production of buffaloes. So, a study was conducted to know the existing level of adoption of recommended buffalo rearing practices in the Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir. Ex post facto research design was used for selection of district whereas, blocks, villages and respondents were selected by simple random sampling technique. The data was collected from the 120 buffalo farmers with the help of structured interview schedule containing selected dependent and independent variables, through personal interview technique. The majority of the respondents were middle aged, having poor education, engaged in diversified occupation and possessed medium herd size ranging from 3- 5 animals. They had poor social participation, extension contact and mass media exposure. Buffalo farmers fared well in terms of economic motivation and risk orientation. Majority of the respondents (57.50%) had medium knowledge (66.50%) whereas, 25.00 percent had low knowledge (46.47%) and only 17.50 percent respondents had high knowledge (80.40%). Age and occupation were negatively and insignificantly associated with the knowledge. Education, social participation, herd size, mass media exposure, land holding and economic motivation had positive and significant association with the knowledge. Extension contact and risk orientation had positive and insignificant association with the knowledge. Majority of the respondents (64.17%) had medium adoption of 62.59 percent followed by 18.33 percent who had low adoption (51.77 %) and only 17.50 percent of the respondents had high adoption level (71.76%). Age and occupation were negatively and insignificantly associated with the adoption. Education, social participation, herd size, mass media exposure, land holding, economic motivation, extension contact and risk orientation had positive and significant association with the adoption. Healthcare constraints were perceived as most serious constraints with MPS of 79.72 percent followed by breeding (77.55%) and feeding constraints (70.19%) whereas, management constraints were perceived as least serious constraints by the buffalo farmers with MPS of 68.63 percent. ‘Transport facility not available for timely sale of milk was perceived as the most serious constraint by the buffalo farmers whereas, ‘lack of knowledge about hygienic milking’ was perceived as least serious constraint.ThesisItem Open Access Adoption of Hybrid Rice Cultivation by the Farmers of Jammu District(Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu, 2022-10) Kour, Rashmeet; Slathia, P.S.Rice has shaped the culture, diets and economics of thousand of millions of people. It is an important staple food crop for more than 60 per cent of the world people. In 2008, more than 430 million metric tons of rice was consumed worldwide, according to the USDA. Hybrid rice is one of the important innovations that has proven to be an effective way to enhance rice production. Therefore, the study entitled “Adoption of Hybrid Rice Cultivation by the farmers of Jammu District” was conducted to examine the situation of hybrid rice in the Jammu district. The study was conducted in three agricultural sub divisions of Jammu district namely Marh, Akhnoor and R.S Pura because maximum hybrid growers belonged to these three agricultural sub-divisions. 150 respondents were selected for the study where, 38 respondents were from R.S Pura, 13 from Akhnoor and 99 from Marh. Initially formulation of knowledge test was done. Split-half method was employed to determine the reliability which was 0.76. To adjust the half test reliability into full test reliability, Spearman Browns Prophecy formula was employed. The full test reliability was 0.86 and the test was considered reliable for administration to final sampled farmers. Results showed that majority of the farmers had high to medium knowledge about hybrid rice cultivation practices but adoption is low. Majority of the farmers were growing Arize-6444 gold followed by PHB-71 in hybrid rice category and B-370 and Pusa-1121 in non-hybrid rice category. There was decline in productivity of hybrid rice as well as non-hybrid rice in 2021 due to heavy hailstorm during maturity time. More than 50% respondents were falling between the age category of abv 51 years. The mean operational land holding was 1.551.70. Weighted mean was calculated for ranking of perception statements. Overall B.C ratio of hybrid rice varieties came out to be 1:1.08 in 2021 but in 2020 it came out to be 1:2.25. Hailstorms was one of the most main reasons for this downfall. Knowledge about different cultivation practices(p=.018) and use of post-emergence herbicide (p=.043) significantly affected the productivity of hybrid rice crop. Factors like Knowledge (p=.024) and distance of household to the nearest agriculture department seed store(p=.018) were found affecting the adoption of different inputs. There is a no significant difference in the productivity of hybrid rice crop among three sub-divisions wheras there is a significant difference in the productivity of hybrid and B-370(p=.001) and hybrid and Pusa 1121 (p=.029). Also, there is no significance difference among the productivity of all hybrid varieties grown by the farmers. Though PHB-71 is recommended by SKUAST-J, but there are other promising hybrid varieties that are more preferred by farmers due to their higher productivity than PHB-71. Amongst the preferred varieties, Arize-6444 gold is the leading one followed by Arize-6129 gold.ThesisItem Open Access Adoption of Improved Small Ruminant Practices by the Pastoralists of Jammu and Kashmir State(Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu (J&K), 2019-02-14) Khandi, Shafkat Ahmad; Bhushan, Dr. BharatThere are nearly 200 million pastoralists in the world generating income, where conventional farming is limited or not possible. Pastoralists are the people who derive more than 50 percent of their income from livestock and over 90 percent of animal consumption from natural pasture or browse. Pastoralists mainly depend on three resources livestock, pasture and water and for this purpose they migrate and this is the only way for they can survive and sustain the ecological balance of nature. The pastoralists in Jammu and Kashmir still follow their traditional occupation of rearing animals and their condition has still remained unchanged. In this context a study was conducted in the Jammu and Kashmir state entitled “Adoption of Improved Small Ruminant Practices by the Pastoralists of Jammu and Kashmir State” with a view to document the knowledge and adoption of improved small ruminant practices. The data was collected from 400 pastoralists belonging to Kathua, Jammu, Anantnag and Leh district of Jammu and Kashmir with the help of structured interview schedule containing selected dependent and independent variables, through personal interview technique. Majority of the pastoralists were middle aged, having poor education, engaged in caste occupation and were having marginal landholding and possessed medium herd size of 58 small animals. Further, most of the respondents had medium family size, with average of 6 family members. The social participation and mass media exposure of majority of the respondents were medium. They had poor extension contact. The income of the majority of respondents from livestock rearing was ` 59290 per year and were having 31 years of average experience in livestock rearing. Pastoralists fared well in terms of economic motivation. However, majority had semi-nomadic pastoral system. The marketing system was rather limited. None of the pastoralists had obtained any formal training in improved small ruminant rearing practices. Majority of respondents (57.75%) were having medium level of knowledge (49.86%), whereas, 24 percent had low knowledge (49.27%) and only 18.25 percent respondents had high knowledge level (56.46%). Positive significant association of knowledge with education, occupation, landholding, herd size, social participation, extension contact, mass media exposure, income from livestock rearing, economic motivation, and marketing system was observed. However, negative significant association of knowledge with pastoral system was observed. Majority of respondents (47.75%) were having medium adoption (46.60%) followed by low adoption (39.01%) of small ruminant practices by 32.25 percent of respondents. The respondents of the high adoption level (55.30%) constituted 20 percent of the total. Positive significant association between adoption and education, occupation, land holding, social participation, extension contact, mass media exposure, income from livestock rearing, and economic motivation was observed, while, negative significant association of adoption with pastoral and marketing system was observed. Constraints like increasing input costs makes it difficult to achieve profitability was the most serious constraint perceived by the pastoralists followed by lack of good quality breedable animals and non-availability of veterinary surgeons. However, inadequate knowledge to detect signs of heat in animals was the least serious constraint perceived by the pastoralists.ThesisItem Open Access ADOPTION OF INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT (IPM) PRACTICES BY RICE GROWING FARMERS OF JAMMU DIVISION(SKUAST-Jammu, 2010) Kumari, Gulshan; Kher, S.K.IPM (Integrated Pest Management) programme in the state of Jammu and Kashmir was started in the year 1993-94. Since then a number of farmers have been trained in 14 weeks Farmers Field School (FFS) programme organized by Central Integrated Pest Management Centre (CIPMC) and Department of Agriculture, Jammu. But there is no empirical evidence about the outcome of the programme in terms of knowledge and adoption of IPM practices. In this context, the study entitled “Adoption of IPM (Integrated Pest Management) practices by IPM trained rice growers of Jammu division” was conducted. A sample of 240 respondents was selected from 12 villages of Jammu and Samba districts to study the outcome of IPM programme. The study revealed that a majority of IPM trained rice growers were above 50 years in age. The respondents had medium level of extension contact, participation in extension programmes, mass media exposure, economic motivation, scientific orientation and risk preference. More than half of the respondents had marginal land holdings and majority had agriculture as their main occupation. Majority of respondents were literate and had not participated in any social organization. Though the IPM training had resulted in gain in knowledge of the farmers but not resulted in adoption of IPM practices. The majority of the farmers had medium level of knowledge of IPM practices. The mean knowledge score of the farmers was 27.76 with S.D 8.96 and there was a variation in the mean knowledge score in the studied villages. Despite this, the adoption of IPM practices was low and mean adoption score was 6.1 with S.D 2.0. Education (0.539), extension contacts (0.226), participation in extension programmes (0.137) and exposure to mass media (0.401) had significant and positive relationship with adoption of IPM practices. Age (-0.365) and occupation (-0.265) were negatively and significantly associated with adoption of IPM practices. Education had exerted maximum direct effect (0.432) and the variable exposure to mass media had highest indirect effect (0.296) on the adoption of IPM practices compared to other variables when put on the path analysis. In the adoption of cultural, manual/mechanical, biological and chemical practices, the major constraints encountered by the respondents were lack of knowledge of balanced use of fertilizers, labour intensiveness of manual/mechanical practices and non-availability of bio-control agents and bio-fertilizers. Constraints identified should be bridged up by employing extension interventions from time to time. Benefits of IPM technology should be popularized among the farmers. Periodical trainings need to be organized for refreshing the knowledge of the IPM trained farmers.ThesisItem Open Access Adoption of maize cultivation practices by the farmers in Jammu region of Jammu and Kashmir state(SKUAST-Jammu, 2017) Parkash, Suraj; Peshin, RajinderThe present study entitled, “Adoption of maize cultivation practices by the farmers in Jammu region of Jammu and Kashmir state” was conducted in five districts namely Doda, Kathua, Poonch, Rajouri and Udhampur of the Jammu region of J&K state. A sample of 220 maize growers was selected by multi-stage random sampling from 22 villages from 11 tehsils of 5 selected districts. Non-experimental diagnostic research design was employed for the study. The study was aimed to find out the knowledge level of the farmers, adoption of recommended maize cultivation practices, varietal diversity index of maize, factors affecting input use in maize crop and factors affecting productivity of maize crop in the Jammu region .The study revealed that majority of the maize growers were: middle aged [(48%) in the age group of 43-62 years], literate (84%), marginal and small landholding farmers (80%), and only 6 percent were exclusively dependent on farming. Majority (47%) respondents had medium knowledge level, 38 percent had low and only 15 percent had high knowledge level. Regarding adoption of different maize production technologies, overall 46 percent of maize growers had medium adoption level, 41 percent had low adoption level and only 13 percent were in high adoption category. Adoption of composite maize varieties, seed treatment, fertilizer management, insect pest and disease management and herbicide use was low. Annual income and knowledge score of farmers significantly affected the adoption of hybrid seed (R2=0.11). Use of hybrid seed and distance of fertilizer store from village were the factors significantly affecting the adoption of urea (R2=0.47). Farming experience, social participation, landholding and use of hybrid seeds were the variables which significantly impacted the farmers decision to adopt DAP (R2=0.28) whereas the variables use of hybrid seeds, knowledge score and distance from fertilizer store significantly affected the adoption of MOP (R2=0.20). Adoption of herbicides was significantly affected by the variable knowledge score of the farmer (R2=0.13).The drivers of maize productivity were: application of MOP, cultivation of hybrid varieties and number of hoeing (R2=.23). The adoptability index of maize cultivars ranged between 0.12 and 0.80.The output-input ratio was the highest in district Kathua (1.95) and least in district Udhampur (1.08).The results of the study provides empirical feedback about the adoption of technologies by maize growers, factors that needs to be addressed to increase the productivity of maize crop in the Jammu region.ThesisItem Open Access ADOPTION OF PRODUCTION RECOMMENDATIONS OF MASH VIGNA MUNGO (BLACK GRAM) CROP BY THE FARMERS IN THE SUB TROPICS OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR(Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and technology-Jammu, Jammu, 2019-12) Sharma, Ekta; Slathia, Dr. P.S.ThesisItem Open Access ADOPTION OF RAPESEED MUSTARD PRODUCTION RECOMMENDATIONS BY THE FARMERS IN JAMMU REGION OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR(Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu, 2017) Rakesh Kumar; Slathia, P. S.Improved agricultural practices are the product of modern science and technology. Absence of technology is generally not the major problem in our country but main problem which still exists today is that of diffusion and acceptance of these technologies by the farmers and that is the main reason that diffusion and adoption research has played a pivotal role in agricultural extension research. Adoption of agricultural technologies is determined by many factors such as socio-personal including knowledge and attitude, economical, communication behaviour, attributes of the innovation and efforts of the change agency and agents. To find out the impact of the above referred variables on the adoption of different production recommendations in rapeseed mustard cultivation, a study entitled “Adoption of rapeseed mustard production recommendations by the farmers in Jammu region of the Jammu and Kashmir” was conducted for finding out the attitude towards rapeseed mustard cultivation, knowledge about different production recommendations and extent and level of adoption of different production technologies of rapeseed mustard crop. Stratified random sampling technique was employed for selecting the sample of rapeseed mustard growers and non-growers. The total sample size was 280 (200 rapeseed mustard growers, 80 non-growers) comprises 140 respondents from Jammu & Samba districts falling under sub-tropical zone & 140 from Reasi & Doda district falling under temperate zone of Jammu province. Interview schedule including attitude scale based on Likert’s technique and knowledge test was used for collection of the data. No significant difference was observed between the rapeseed mustard growers and non-growers in case of age, education, family size, farming experience. However, there was significant difference in case of size of land holding (t=3.279, p=0.001) and attitude score (t= 2.176, p=.031). Size of land holding (p=.005), occupation (p=.031) and attitude (p=.024) significantly affected the decision to adopt the cultivation of rapeseed mustard crop. Education (p=.045) and irrigated land holding (p=.000) significantly affected the knowledge of rapeseed mustard growers about different production recommendations. Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) among the rapeseed mustard group was found predominately grown in both sub-tropical and temperate zone of Jammu province and 6 percent of sampled mustard growers also adopted the cultivation of hybrid gobhi sarson (Brassica napus) mainly in Jammu district. Irrigation facility, knowledge and agro-climatic zone were important variables which affected the adoption decision of recommended sowing time (R2=.150), recommended seed rate (R2=0.515), urea (R2=0.065), DAP (R2=0.599) and insecticide (R2=0.207). Irrigation, weed management (both manually & chemically), use of urea, DAP & insecticide spray mainly against aphid were the main factors affecting the productivity of raya (R2=0.534), gobhi sarson (R2=0.253), and toria (R2=0.757) .The major constraints faced by the mustard growers were lack of irrigation facility, problem of aphid insect, lack of quality seeds in both the sub-tropical and temperate zone and untimely snowfall in temperate zone. The major reasons expressed by non-growers for not growing the rapeseed mustard crop were small size of land holding and priority for cereal crops. This study provides an empirical feedback to research and extension agencies in the Jammu region for making farmer specific research and extension endeavors for increasing the adoption of recommended technologies by the mustard growers at farm level leading to higher productivity of rapeseed crop in our state in general and particularly in Jammu province.ThesisItem Open Access ADOPTION OF RECOMMENDED CROP PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGIES BY THE POTATO GROWERS IN THE SUB-TROPICAL ZONE OF JAMMU DIVISION(Division of Agricultural Extension Education, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu, 2012) Peer, Quadri Javeed Ahmad; Kher, S.K.ADOPTION OF RECOMMENDED CROP PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGIES BY THE POTATO GROWERS IN THE SUB-TROPICAL ZONE OF JAMMU DIVISIONThesisItem Open Access Adoption of Recommended Litchi Cultivation Practices in Jammu Region(Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Jammu, 2023-08-07) Choudhary, Meenu; Parihar, PonamThe present study entitled “Adoption of Recommended Litchi Cultivation Practices in Jammu Region” was conducted in Jammu &Kathua Districts. Purposively non-random Sampling technique was employed to draw a sample of 99 litchi growing farmers. Semi-structured interview schedule was used for collection of the primary data. The results revealed that majority of the litchi farmers were 12th pass out with average litchi farming experience of 13 years. The average operational size of land holding of litchi farmers in Kathua was 1.507 ha and in Jammu it was 1.037 ha. Majority (64 per cent) of the farmers had marginal land holding. Canal was the main source of irrigation for litchi farmers (80 per cent). Majority (59 per cent) of the respondents had agriculture as their main occupation. Department of Horticulture was observed the main source of information for 100 per cent of litchi farmers followed by KrishiVigyan Kendra (77 per cent). Majority (98 per cent) of the respondents adopted recommended variety Dehradun of litchi and 69 per cent of the respondents adopted recommended variety Calcuttia. Majority of the respondents (85 per cent) were applying urea, (75 per cent) of the litchi growers were applying DAP & (66 per cent) of the litchi farmers were in practice of applying MOP respectively. Majority of the respondents (22 per cent) were applying insecticides & (18 per cent) of the farmers were applying fungicides in litchi cultivation. Cost Benefit ratio of litchi cultivation is highest in Kathua district i.e., (1:3.86) followed by Jammu district i.e., (1:3.83). The major constraints faced by the litchi farmers were highly perishable nature of fruit, unavailability of quality plant material & damage of fruit by birds.