Vol. 11, Issue 7 (2022)

Author(s):
Kalamakr RB, MC Ahire, SB Bhange, SR Kulkarni and CD Nimbalkar

Abstract:
The present study was conducted to study extent of utilization of information input pattern of pomegranate growers in Nashik and Solapur Districts of Maharashtra. From each district three tahsils were selected. From each tahsil five villages were selected. From each village 10 pomegranate growers were selected by random sampling method. In case of regular use of information input sources, friends were ranked first. Pomegranate is a hugely profitable crop that can end subsistence farming and hence reduce poverty, especially in the rural areas of Maharashtra. It is a crop with a high market value, and the whole tree has economic value. For a good production of pomegranate, pomegranate growers must have good knowledge about the package of practices. Pomegranate growers can get the information from variety of sources. Hence, it was necessary to study the information input behavior pattern of pomegranate growers. Nashik and Solapur district were selected for conduct of study because they are the top pomegranate producing districts in Maharashtra. Pomegranate growers were asked about their sources of information and methods they used for getting agricultural information. Local input dealers, neighbours, relatives and progressive farmers were ranked second, third, fourth and fifth. Agricultural assistants, Agricultural supervisors, Expert of private companies and Circle agricultural officers were the occasional source of information for pomegranate growers. pomegranate growers were regularly using self observation and field experience method, Television, Youtube, Newspaper, Individual contact method, Mobile SMS, Shivarpheri, Search engine-Google and By visiting demonstration as the methods for seeking the farm information. It is also observed that Telephonic communication, Farm publications, Study tours, Poster/Charts, meetings, group discussion on pomegranate, Radio and Krishi darshani were the occasional methods used by pomegranate growers for seeking the farm information.