INSIGHT INTO THE INFORMATION GAP OF CAULIFLOWER GROWERS- EVIDENCE FROM PERI-URBAN AREAS OF FAISALABAD, PAKISTAN

Abstract

This study was conducted at the Institute of Agriculture Extension and Rural Development, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan during the year 2015. The study assesses information gap of cauliflower growers in peri-urban areas of Faisalabad, Pakistan. Two hundred and eight cauliflower growers were interviewed using a validated and reliable questionnaire. Findings revealed that majority of the growers was middle aged with low educational level and they were growing vegetables mainly for commercial purpose. Vegetable growers were unaware of many production technologies of cauliflower. The main areas of unawareness among vegetable growers were fertilizer application followed by insect/pest/disease management, their identification and appropriate seed rate. It was Recommended that Agriculture Department should develop insects/pest and diseases resistant varieties for farmers. In addition, strong linkages should be developed between all the stakeholders for effective dissemination of technologies among vegetable growers.