International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development

author(s)
Shriyanshi Patel, YK Singh and DP Rai

abstract
The study was carried out in Khandwa district of Madhya Pradesh, purposively chosen for its prominence in orange cultivation within the Malwa Plateau agro-climatic zone, which offers favorable soil and climate conditions. An ex-post facto research design was adopted since the variables under investigation had already occurred. Out of seven development blocks, Khandwa and Chegaon Makkhan were purposively selected, and two villages from each block—Baidiyaw and Pipaliya (Khandwa block) and Ahmadpur Khaigaon and Sirra (Chegaon Makkhan block)—were randomly chosen. From these villages, 30 orange growers each were purposively selected, making a total sample of 120 respondents. The study revealed that the majority of orange growers possessed a medium level of knowledge (45%) regarding recommended cultivation practices, followed by low (33.33%) and high (21.67%) levels. Farmers showed good awareness of ideal climate (58.33%), suitable land type (54.17%), and pit size (56.67%), while moderate knowledge was observed for planting months (45.83%), pit method (45.83%), and stock-scion height (43.33%). However, knowledge was poor for rootstock selection (37.5%), recommended variety ‘Nucellar’ (33.33%), and use of growth regulators (33.33%). Fertilizer application knowledge was moderate (~40%), and water management was relatively better, with nearly half aware of irrigation and drainage practices. Awareness of weed and bahar management hovered around 45%, while in plant protection, 50% could identify pest vectors but fewer knew about fruit-sucking moths and gummosis. Harvesting knowledge was comparatively good, yet post-harvest management remained weak, particularly regarding ethylene use and storage duration, highlighting significant gaps that require extension intervention.