Knowledge and Adoption Level of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Practices among Paddy Growers in Kathua District of Jammu and Kashmir

Keeping in view the importance of integrated Pest Management in paddy, a study was conducted in Kathua district of J&K with the objective to find out the knowledge level and adoption level of IPM practices among paddy growers. Primary data were collected from 200 farmers from four blocks namely Hiranagar, Ghagwal, Barnoti and Kathua using random sampling method. Partially structured interview schedule was used for data collection, using personal interview. The study revealed that the paddy growers of selected area were not having proper knowledge about Integrated Pest management Practices. They were familiar to cultural practices while they had poor knowledge about mechanical, biological and chemical practices regarding IPM. Therefore, their adoption level was also poor and limited to cultural practices only. Findings also show a large gap between knowledge and adoption in respect to IPM practices. The results suggest that paddy growers with more knowledge level of IPM practices had more adoption level of IPM practices.