Title: KNOWLEDGE AND ADOPTION OF ORCHARD GROWERS REGARDING SUBSIDIARY CROP CULTIVATION PRACTICES

Authors: Krishna Kumari Purbia, R. Bairathi and Surbhi Jangir

Publisher: The President, Society of Extension Education Gujarat

Keywords: orchard growers, subsidiary crops, knowledge, adoption, cultivation practice

Volume: 40

Issue: 2

Year: December 2025

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56572/gjoee.2025.40.2.0018

Abstract: Subsidiary crop cultivation enhances resource use efficiency, income stability and sustainability in orchard-based systems. The present study assessed the knowledge and adoption levels of orchard growers regarding subsidiary crop cultivation practices in Southern Rajasthan. The study was conducted in Udaipur and Banswara districts with 240 respondents selected through a multistage sampling method. Data were collected using a structured and pre-tested interview schedule and analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, Mean Percent Score (MPS) and the Z-test. Results showed that 67.08 per cent of orchard growers had a medium level of knowledge. Knowledge was highest for harvesting and post-harvest handling (80.06 MPS) and irrigation management (77.42 MPS), while weed management (73.36 MPS) and plant protection (70.18 MPS) were relatively low. Adoption analysis revealed that 61.25 per cent of orchard growers had a medium level of adoption. Irrigation management showed the highest adoption (54.78%), followed by land preparation (52.65%), sowing practices (51.90%) and harvesting and post-harvest management (50.25%). The study suggests the need for focused extension efforts in nutrient management, weed control and plant protection to improve the effectiveness of subsidiary crop cultivation in orchard systems.