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Abstract
The present study entitled "An Analysis of the Factors Affecting the Apple Production and Productivity in Shimla" was undertaken with a vision to study the status of apple productivity in the western Himalayan state of Himachal Pradesh. Narkanda was selected randomly as the ultimate block of study from the Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh state. The objective was aimed at analyzing the apple cultivation and the factors affecting the apple production and productivity. The study sample was drawn using random sampling method in four stages making a total of 70 orchardist households from five altitudinal zones namely < 1500 m, 1500-2000, 2000-2500, 2500 -3000 and above 3000 m msl respectively in the study area. General mathematical and statistical methods were utilized to perform the present study. Overall multiple regression analysis was carried to know the factors influencing the apple production and for evaluating the economic efficiency of resources which has indicated that there exist a scope to increase the apple productivity in the study block, by increasing the levels of the variables like FYM, Chemical fertilizers, human labour, fixed costs and also that it should stick to optimum no. of sprays for plant protection and by maintaining the plant density. The findings of the present study strongly recommend the optimum use of the resources in order to adapt to the adverse conditions and attain desired growth in apple cultivation and ultimately the productivity.
Keywords: Apple production, chemical fertilizers, human labour, fixed costs, plant protection
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Apple gets hold of a major part of fruit production in a state like Himachal Pradesh. Considering the vital role that Apple has in the economy of Himachal Pradesh, there is a need to analyze the factors affecting the apple production and the productivity in an approach of producing the Indian favorite apples by the orchardists in the state.
An orchard is a long term investment and careful planning is essential to ensure economic success. Apple orchard is no exception in this regard (Marini, 1997). The gains in production have come essentially from increase in the acreage rather than through intensive cultivation practices. The situation calls for the intensive use of knowledge and skills based farming to realise potential productivity.
The vast technological...