International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development

author(s)
Sadaf Hussain, Shijaatt Hussain Bhat, Sumaya Jan, Huzifa Farhein, Beenish Khuroo and Mahvish Bashir

abstract
Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is a high-value specialty crop, yet its productivity in India remains low due to poor adoption of recommended production technologies. The present study assessed the extent of technological gaps in saffron cultivation practices among growers in District Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir, India. An ex-post facto research design was employed, and primary data were collected from 150 saffron growers selected through stratified random sampling across five major saffron-growing villages. Technological gaps were measured across key components, including crop management, nutrient management, disease and pest management, irrigation, harvesting, and post-harvest management, using a technological gap index. The results revealed substantial gaps in the adoption of recommended practices, with the highest technological gap observed in irrigation management (94.00%), followed by post-harvest management (60.33%) and disease and pest management (50.22%). Moderate gaps were recorded in harvesting (48.67%) and crop management (43.75%), while nutrient management exhibited comparatively lower gaps (22.22%). The findings further indicated that growers with smaller landholdings experienced higher technological gaps across most production practices. The study highlights the need for targeted extension interventions, improved irrigation infrastructure, and strengthened knowledge dissemination mechanisms to enhance the adoption of recommended saffron production technologies. Addressing these technological gaps is essential for improving saffron productivity and ensuring the sustainability of saffron cultivation in the Kashmir Himalayas.