A study on the knowledge and adoption of sericulture technologies among farmers in Tehsil Pattan of district Baramulla

Abstract

The present study was conducted in Tehsil Pattan of District Baramulla to assess the level of knowledge and adoption of improved sericulture technologies among silkworm rearers. A total of 120 respondents were randomly selected from seven sericulture beats. The findings revealed that the majority of respondents (63.33%) possessed a low level of knowledge regarding sericulture technologies, followed by 34.16% with a medium level, while only 2.50% had a high level of knowledge. With respect to adoption, 47.50% of the respondents exhibited a medium level of adoption, 44.16% had a low level, and only 8.33% showed a high level of adoption of recommended practices. The study further indicated that most farmers had partial knowledge and partial adoption of practices related to mulberry cultivation, nutrient management, temperature and humidity regulation, and rearing techniques. In contrast, higher adoption was observed in practices such as disinfection, hygiene maintenance, and cocoon stifling. The major constraints affecting adoption included high cost of inputs, limited awareness, and inadequate access to extension services. The study emphasizes the need for strengthening extension support, capacity building, and farmer-oriented training programmes to enhance knowledge and adoption of improved sericulture technologies for sustainable development of the sector.