Wheat Cultivation Technologies Adopted by Farmers in Sub-Mountainous Region of Punjab

Abstract

Agricultural universities and research institutes help develop high-yielding, disease-resistant varieties with innovative farming techniques. There is a gap in technology and variety adoption despite extension efforts, which affects farmers’ productivity and profitability. This study attempts to evaluate farmers’ adoption of recommended wheat cultivation technologies in Hoshiarpur district, Punjab, India from 2017–18 to 2024–25. A structured survey was conducted among 510 randomly selected farmers across different villages of the Hoshiarpur district to evaluate the adoption trends in crop varieties, seed rates, fertilizer use and sowing techniques affecting crop yield among the sampled farmers. The study revealed a shift in wheat variety preferences, with older varieties such as HD 2967 and HD 3086 gradually being replaced by newer ones like PBW 826 and DBW 222. While the majority of farmers adhered to recommended varieties, a small portion experimented with un-recommended ones. The results from the study indicate that there is a need for improved extension services to bridge the adoption gap. Creating farmer awareness and the availability of improved technologies will help in enhancing wheat productivity and sustainability in the region.