Assessing Factors Influencing the Adoption of Orchard Management Practices among Walnut Growers: A Study of Exotic and Native Jumlish Varieties of Nepal

Walnut, a native high-value crop with a large market demand in the western high hills of Nepal, necessitates the inclusion of sustainable approaches in orchards to improve plant stand and farm output. A survey was carried out from February to July 2023 to ascertain the orchard management status among farmers and the performance of exotic walnut varieties for agro-climatic suitability in Rukum-East. 120 commercial walnut farmers were selected by a simple random sampling method and data were collected from pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed through descriptive statistical tools, t-test and logistic regression. The outcomes of the study revealed that the majority of farmers have an average of 6.79 (ropani) of land under walnut cultivation and 2.22 average years of expertise in walnut orchards. Among different varieties, 64.2% of the respondents used exotic varieties Chandler (US origin), Franquette, and Fernette (French origin), whereas 35.8% of them had locally grafted Jumlish varieties (scions of Hartley and Payne) in their orchard. Education and walnut cultivation areas significantly influenced orchard sanitation adoption. A binary logistic model indicated that land direction, road access, irrigation, Bordeaux paste, and subsidies significantly affected dieback inhibition. The mean comparison of exotic and locally grafted Jumlish varieties showed significant differences in growth performance and agro-climatic suitability. Recommendations include implementing a subsidy program for quality saplings, irrigation, and machinery. Emphasizing dedicated orchard care, reducing sapling mortality, and distributing grafted walnut saplings are essential for sustainable walnut farming.