Abstract :
The study identified training needs of apple growers in district Budgam, J&K. Purposive sampling technique was used to select two blocks (Beerwah and Khan Sahib), four zones, eight circles and eighty apple farmers were selected for the study. Some of the data were analyzed with percentage and mean score while some were presented in charts. Majority (77.5%) of the respondents did not have contact with extension agents in 2012 and they sourced information apple from neighbours (86.3%).The mean annual expenditure and income from apple were Rs. 27, 568 and Rs. 235, 530, respectively. Majority (96.2%) of the respondents had no training on processing and preservation of apple and off season production of apple (85%). Majority of the respondents indicated that training on apple should be organized by researchers (65%) through interpersonal communication (83.8%) using local language (kashmiri) (78.8%). Provision of effective micro-credit facilities (M=2.84) and stability of government policy (stability of price of apple) (M=2.68) were perceived by the respondents as major strategies that will improve apple production in the area. The study encouraged building capacities of apple farmers through informal training especially in the areas of processing, preservation and off-season production of apple so that they can face challenges of the enterprise, boost their farm size and income.
Keyword :
Training needs, Apple growers, Government policy, Local language