Assessment of Ecophysiological Barriers and Production Challenges of Senecio vulgaris in Temperate Zones of Poonch, AJK

This study examined the socioeconomic and ecophysiological factors influencing Senecio vulgaris distribution and cultivation in the temperate regions of Poonch, Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Using a multistage sampling technique, data was gathered from 120 randomly chosen farmers in three agricultural zones using a structured interview schedule. IBM SPSS Statistics 20 was used to analyze the data using mean scores, percentages, and frequencies. According to the results, 64.2% of the respondents were primarily farmers, and 71.6% of the respondents were men. Just 7.3% had contact with extension agents, 37.4% harvested ≤2 bunches in the previous season, and the majority (59.3%) reported having trouble finding S. vulgaris. 35% only harvested once every four months, indicating a low harvest frequency. Due to a lack of institutional support, the majority of respondents (79.7%) relied on family members for crop information. Poor planting material availability (24.4%), low nutritional awareness (19.5%), and low yield (18.7%) were the main production constraints. The most practical approach for year-round production was determined to be irrigation (35%). The results emphasize S. vulgaris' endangered status and the necessity of domestication, better seed availability, and concerted efforts by farmers, extension agents, and academic institutions to promote sustainable cultivation and use.