Authors
1
Economic, Social and Agricultural Extension Research Department, Fars Agricultural Research and Natural Resource and Education Center, AREEO, Shiraz, Iran
2
Horticulture and Crops Research Department, Fars Agriculture Research and Natural Resource and Education Center, AREEO, Shiraz, Iran
3
Horticulture and Crops Research Department, Sistan and Bloochestan Agriculture Research and Natural Resource and Education Center, AREEO, Zabol, Iran
Abstract
Yaqouti grape vineyards in the Sistan region have not achieved sustainable and economically efficient production due to several factors, including traditional planting systems and insufficient knowledge of vineyard management. Based on a defined time schedule and the application of a knowledge package, a series of horticultural operations related to winter and spring management were implemented during the 2022–2023 cropping year in selected vineyards of the Sistan region. These operations included proper pruning and training, appropriate nutrition, orchard sanitation, integrated pest, disease, and weed management, installation of branch-support baskets to prevent contact of shoots with the soil surface, and irrigation management. The activities were carried out through a participatory approach involving extension agents and the private sector. Economic analysis was conducted using the partial budgeting method. The results indicated that grape yield increased by approximately 125%, leading to an increase in net income of 334 million tomans per hectare (a 136% increase). In addition, grape losses in the vineyards were reduced by about 50%. From a social perspective, the implementation of the knowledge package not only enhanced farmers’ participation and self-confidence, but also, through increased awareness and knowledge diffusion, promoted the adoption of non-chemical methods for pest and disease control. Therefore, the application of the knowledge package and the implementation of such programs, while contributing to environmental conservation, are economically justifiable and resulted in a profit increase of approximately 136% for vineyard owners.
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