International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development

author(s)
Fayiz TK, QJA Peer, SS Kubrevi, Mudasir Gani, S Maqbool and FA Bhat

abstract
The study was conducted in the Baramulla district of Kashmir particularly in the Wagoora Kreeri constituency and its horticultural zones. Using multistage sampling technique, 120 apple growers from eight villages were selected. Data were collected through a structured interview schedule that had been pre-tested for reliability and validity. The study aimed to examine various independent variables, including socio personal, socio-psychological, and communication factors, alongside the dependent variable, knowledge on pre-harvest management strategies of apple. Statistical analyses, such as frequency, percentages, means, and Spearman’s rank correlation, were employed to interpret the data. The important findings of the study revealed that the majority were middle-aged males with varying educational backgrounds and family sizes. Most of the respondents (62.5%) had land holdings between 1.41 - 2.2 ha. 61.7% cultivated apples on 0.82 - 1.3 ha. A significant proportion (57.5%) had medium experience (13-29 years) in apple farming, while 55.8% earned between Rs. 7.1 to 12 lakhs per annum. Furthermore, 69.2% of the respondents had medium economic motivation, 47.5% had a medium level of innovativeness, 53.3% had a low level of extension participation and 51.7% had a medium use of information sources. Overall, 46.7% of the respondents possessed a medium level of knowledge related to pre-harvest management strategies.