Information seeking pattern of farmers regarding horticultural crops through ATIC.
Patil S. D., Ahire M. C., Khose S. L.
Author Affiliation: Directorate of Extension Education, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri - 413 722, India.
Journal of Agriculture Research and Technology 39 : 460-465
Abstract : The study revealed that, majority of the horticultural queries of farmers were from the jurisdiction of MPKV and were on pomegranate followed by citrus, banana, papaya, mango, sapota and guava, watermelon, fig, anola, santra, mosambi, custard apple and tamarind. The information regarding horticultural practices viz., planting time, planting method, distance of planting is sought by majority of farmers. Followed by queries on varieties, application and requirement of fertilizers, water management and inter culture practices. Majority of the queries were asked by the farmers on the vegetable crops viz., onion, followed by chili, brinjal, cucumber, tomato, okra, drumstick, potato, cabbage, bitter guard, bottle gourd, pea, beans/wal, fenugreek (methi), cluster bean/gawar, radish, sugar beet and red pumpkin. The farmers sought information regarding vegetables on sowing and planting is highest followed by seed/variety, water management, fertilizer management, inter culture, fruit drop and preparation of cuttings. Regarding floriculture, majority of the queries asked by the farmers were on marigolds followed by roses, chrysanthemums, gladiolus and tuberose. Regarding spices majority of the queries were sought by the farmers on ginger followed by turmeric, garlic and coriander. Under these queries, majority of farmers sought information regarding sowing and planting followed by seed of improved variety, water management, fertilizer management and inter culture.