International Journal of Plant & Soil Science

Assessing the knowledge level of farmers and identifying their specific training needs are essential steps for designing effective agricultural extension programs. A needs-based approach not only to ensures relevance and responsiveness but also enhances farmer participation and technology adoption. A comprehensive field survey was conducted across ten selected panchayats in the Seraj Valley of Mandi District, Himachal Pradesh, to assess farmers’ knowledge, practices and challenges related to pea cultivation and associated agricultural components. The study focused on various parameters, including farmer categories, field preparation methods, varietal usage, seed rate, seed treatment, fertilizer and irrigation practices, weed and disease management, spacing knowledge, yield, income levels, crop rotation and perceptions of climate change. Results revealed a predominance of marginal farmers in all locations, with Thunag and Shilli Baggi comprising entirely of marginal landholders, reflecting the fragmented hill farming system. Traditional field preparation methods still dominate in remote areas, while modern mechanization was observed in more accessible regions like Thunag and Chatri. Varietal adoption showed wide variation; Dhim Kataru recorded the highest usage of recommended varieties (48%), whereas Shilli Baggi and Thunag lagged. Encouragingly, many panchayats reported medium to high compliance with recommended seed rates. However, seed treatment remained notably low across villages, indicating major gaps in awareness or access to inputs. Fertilizer knowledge was high in some villages but alarmingly low in others, like Thana and Bagra Thach, pointing to uneven extension coverage. Spacing and weed management also reflected similar disparities, while disease management knowledge was generally limited, except in a few panchayats. Yield and income levels were closely linked, with low productivity corresponding to low earnings in most villages. Crop rotation was widely adopted, except in Chiuni, while irrigation access remained a significant limiting factor for productivity. Awareness of climate change was highest in Thunag and Dhim Kataru, but remained poor or unacknowledged in others. These findings highlight the need for location-specific interventions, targeted extension services, and improved access to resources to enhance the productivity and resilience of hill agriculture in the region. The findings call for a comprehensive and location-specific approach focusing on capacity building, improved input delivery, demonstration of best practices, and climate-resilient technologies. Strengthening local extension systems and ensuring equitable resource access can significantly enhance the livelihoods and resilience of small and marginal farmers in the Seraj Valley.