Factors hindering plantation of improved apple varieties in Kashmir valley: An economic analysis

Abstract: Improved high-yielding apple varieties are important for reducing food insecurity in developing countries and improving horticultural production and productivity. The study used cross-sectional data from a survey conducted during 2021 fruit season, a probit model analysis was used to determine the probability of adopting new, improved apple varieties (NIAVs) by growers from two main apple-producing districts of Kashmir valley i.e., Shopian and Pulwama. The results revealed that the education of the respondent, extension services availed, and apple plant accessibility play significant roles in decisions regarding the adoption of new apple varieties. Moreover, farming variables like holding size is the key factor influencing the probability of adopting NIAVs in the study area. The extensive role performed by extension services, enormous emphasis on dissemination, demonstration, and growers' participatory studies and training packages to popularize and undertake new apple varieties and enhance their adoption rate is required on a large scale in the study area. The study suggests that policy intervention ought to be made to improve the educational status of apple-growing households and develop programs on a varietal package of apples that offer apple growers a variety of choices in selecting the appropriate varieties for adoption. Such programs ultimately help growers develop more profit-oriented behaviour, which will not only enhance adoption rate, profitability, and production but will also improve food & nutritional security in the long run in the region in the particular and whole valley in general.