An Assessment of Existing, Desired Competencies and Skills of Apple Growers in Mid Altitude Areas of District Shopian in Jammu & Kashmir

The present study was conducted in mid altitude areas comprising of villages viz-Chek-Sadipora, Sadipora and Narvav of district Shopian of Jammu and Kashmir with sample size of 60 apple growers. The district Shopian was purposively selected, because of the potentiality for the development of horticulture, mainly because 90 per cent area of the district was under apple plantation. Most of the apple growers use traditional methods for their apple cultivation, so different skills and competencies, where apple growers need special trainings were studied and it has also been observed that the skills and competencies of the fruit growers regarding expert guidance planning, layout planning, weed management, pest and disease management, intercultural operations, soil testing etc. were low and as such fruit growers need trainings mostly in soil and water testing, pest and disease management, physiological disorder management among others.