Adoption of Kinnow Production Technology in Rajasthan: Insights from National Horticulture Mission
Sanju Meena *
Department of Agricultural Extension and Communication, College of Agriculture, Swami Keshwanand Rajasthan Agricultural University Bikaner, (Rajasthan)-334006, India
Manmeet Kaur
Department of Agricultural Extension and Communication, College of Agriculture, Swami Keshwanand Rajasthan Agricultural University Bikaner, (Rajasthan)-334006, India.
R. Amulya
Department of Agricultural Extension and Communication, College of Agriculture, Swami Keshwanand Rajasthan Agricultural University Bikaner, (Rajasthan)-334006, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The Horticulture sector is an important component of agriculture and plays a significant role in improving the living standard of farmers by increasing their income. In Indian horticulture has become a successful Agro-diversification strategy since the Green Revolution. A wide range variety of fruit crops are grown in the country due to suitable Agro-climatic conditions, among which citrus occupies a major share in terms of area and production after mango and banana. Among citrus fruits, Kinnow is unique because of its high economic value and productivity. Recognizing the importance of horticulture in strengthening Indian agriculture, the Government of India launched the National Horticulture Mission (NHM) in 2005–06 to promote the growth and development of the horticulture sector. Sri Ganganagar district has a sizable area under kinnow cultivation because Rajasthan state has enormous potential for horticultural development. The present study was conducted in the Sri Ganganagar district to assess the extent of adoption of improved kinnow production technologies among growers under the National Horticulture Mission. Out of the nine Panchayat Samitis in the district, three—Sri Ganganagar, Sri Karanpur, and Padampur—were purposively selected based on their relatively higher area and production of kinnow. A total of 180 respondents were selected through proportionate random sampling, comprising 90 beneficiaries and 90 non-beneficiaries. The findings revealed that the majority of farmers exhibited a moderate level of adoption of kinnow production technologies. Furthermore, the extent of adoption was found to be positively associated with factors such as education, social participation, and knowledge. To enhance the rate of adoption, it is imperative to strengthen farmer training at the grassroots level and ensure the timely availability of quality planting materials at affordable prices. Such measures would contribute to improved productivity and support the livelihoods of farmers.
Keywords: National horticulture mission, horticulture, adoption, kinnow growers