Effect of foliar application of boron on apple yield and socio­economic status of farmers in cold desert region of North­Western Himalayas

Abstract: Apple (Malus domestica) grown in the lower Spiti Valley in harsh climatic conditions is regarded as an important source of income for tribal farmers. Poor flower and fruit formation due to a lack of boron in apple orchards leads to lower productivity. Considering this issue, front-line demonstrations were conducted at farmers' orchards across various locations in the Spiti Valley from 2020 to 2021. The impact of boron foliar application on apple yield and the socioeconomic status of farmers in the region was then assessed. Front-line demonstrations demonstrated a yield increase of 21.32% and 9.14% in 2020 and 2021, respectively, over traditional practice (no boron application). Apple yield varied from 205 to 221 q ha^-1 and 262 to 275 q ha^-1 during 2020 and 2021, respectively, in demonstration plots. Average apple yield of 213.4 q ha^-1 (2020) and 267.4 q ha^-1(2021) were recorded in demonstration plots. The technology gap was 86.6 q ha^-1 in 2020 and 32.6 q ha^-1 in 2021. The mean extension gap during 2 years of study was 22.9 q ha^-1, emphasizing the need to motivate and train farmers to adopt improved scientific practices. The technology index during the year 2020 was 20.9% and further, it reduced to 10.9% during 2021, showing higher feasibility of the demonstrated technology. Economic practices revealed higher net returns and benefit-to-cost ratios of 2.16 in 2020 and 3.53 in 2021, enhancing better awareness and adoption of improved practices, thereby increasing the socio-economic status of farmers.