A study on farmers’ knowledge and attitudinal orientation towards nursery raising in horticulture

Introduction

Agriculture and horticulture are vital sciences that ensure global food security, with healthy plants forming the foundation for sustainable production. Nurseries serve as the cornerstone of horticultural practices by providing vigorous seedlings and planting materials derived from both seeds and vegetative parts. Acting as nurturing grounds, nurseries employ scientific propagation methods to cultivate seedlings, grafts, saplings and ornamental plants. With advancements in technology, modern nursery management has evolved into a commercial enterprise integrating costeffective practices that enhance transplant success, minimize labor and meet the increasing demand for high-quality planting material. This growing demand driven by interests in vegetable gardening, fruit tree cultivation, agroforestry and plantation crops has transformed nursery raising into a profitable venture for farmers, horticulturists and entrepreneurs alike. Horticultural nurseries today represent the intersection of science, business and sustainability. Successful nursery management requires a blend of technical knowledge, entrepreneurial vision and effective resource utilization. Nursery entrepreneurs combine expertise in plant biology, soil health, pest management and irrigation with creativity and business acumen to ensure productivity and profitability. Far from being simple plant-growing operations, nurseries demand strategic planning, marketing skills and continuous innovation. These entrepreneurfarmers not only drive economic growth through employment generation and enterprise development but also contribute to environmental stewardship and community well-being. Thus, horticultural nurseries exemplify the integration of agricultural innovation and entrepreneurship, fostering both ecological and economic progress.

Objective

To measure the attitude and level of knowledge of farmers towards horticultural nursery raising.

Methodology

The present study was carried out in 2025 to assess farmers' knowledge and attitudes toward horticultural nursery raising. The research was guided by a positivist philosophy, focusing on the objective measurement and empirical analysis of observable variables. A deductive approach was employed to test theoretical assumptions. The districts of Anand, Vadodara and Kheda in Gujarat were purposively selected for the study. A total of 120 farmers involved in horticultural nursery raising were also purposively chosen as respondents.

The study followed a survey strategy within an ex-post-facto research design (Kerlinger, 1976) [3] and adopted a crosswww.extensionjournal.com sectional time frame, as data were collected at a single point in time. Data were gathered using a structured interview schedule. To measure farmers' attitudes toward horticultural nursery raising, Scale of Parmar et al. (2012) was used with slight modifications, while a structured schedule was designed to assess their knowledge. Data analysis was performed using statistical tools, including Microsoft Excel (Office 365) and SPSS (Version 26).

Results and Discussion

Attitude of the farmers

The attitude of farmers involved in horticultural nursery raising indicates the extent of their positive or negative feelings, as manifested through their behaviors toward their occupation. The data on farmers' attitudes toward nursery raising are presented in Table 1. Table 1 shows that the majority of farmers (63.33%) held a favourable attitude toward horticultural nursery raising, followed by 21.67% with a neutral attitude and 13.33% with a strongly favourable attitude. Only 1.67% of farmers expressed an unfavourable attitude, while none (0.00%) exhibited a strongly unfavourable attitude.

Overall, it can be inferred that most farmers demonstrate a positive attitude toward horticultural nursery raising. This favourable outlook may be due to the relatively low investment required for nursery cultivation compared to other agricultural activities, its potential to provide a steady year-round income, its suitability for small landholdings, and the opportunities it offers for value-added production.

Level of knowledge

The knowledge of farmers involved in horticultural nursery raising reflects their level of awareness, understanding, and technical skills in nursery practices. The data on farmers' overall knowledge are presented in Table 2. This outcome is likely attributable to the fact that most farmers have practical experience and are actively engaged in horticultural nursery activities, which allows them to acquire knowledge through direct involvement. In addition, the regular exchange of ideas among farmers, combined with learning through trial and error, may have played a significant role in enhancing their knowledge over time.

Conclusion

The findings of the study reveal that farmers involved in horticultural nursery raising exhibit a generally positive attitude and possess considerable knowledge about nursery practices. A majority of farmers hold favourable or strongly favourable attitudes, reflecting recognition of the economic viability, low investment needs, year-round income potential, and suitability for small landholdings offered by nursery cultivation.

Similarly, most respondents demonstrated medium to high levels of knowledge, likely gained through practical experience and active engagement in nursery activities. This combination of positive perception and technical understanding provides a strong basis for adopting improved nursery techniques, enhancing productivity, and promoting horticultural nurseries as a sustainable and profitable agribusiness venture.

Policy Implications

1. Governments should offer simplified, farmer-friendly loan schemes tailored to nursery development to promote investment and operations.

Targeted interventions based on farmer profiles:

Development programs should consider education, experience, and social participation to customize extension and support services.

Acknowledgement

AcknowledgmentThe author sincerely thanks the Department of Agricultural Extension and Communication, AAU, Anand, for guidance and support. Gratitude is also extended to all farmers growing horticultural nursery for their valuable participation in the study.

References

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3. Kerlinger FN. Foundations of behavioural research. New Delhi: Surjeet Publication; 1976. p. 129.
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