Entrepreneurial behaviour of mushroom growers in Jammu, India

The study was conducted during 2023-25 on a sample size of 250 mushroom growers with an aim to study their entrepreneurial behaviour using the Entrepreneurial Behaviour Index (EBI) score. Four districts, namely Udhampur, Jammu, Samba and Kathua having the maximum number of mushroom growers in the Jammu division were selected under the study. In order to measure the reliability of eight entrepreneurial traits, Cronbach's alpha coefficient was used. The results showed high internal consistency among all the traits. Achievement motivation and decision-making ability demonstrated the highest reliability, with alpha values of 0.91 and 0.90 respectively. Economic motivation and risk-bearing capacity also showed strong reliability, with alpha values of 0.86 and 0.85. Traits such as locus of control (0.83), cosmopoliteness (0.80), planning ability (0.76) and self-confidence (0.75) exhibited acceptable reliability levels. The results also showed that majority of mushroom growers have expressed a medium level of entrepreneurial behaviour. Medium EBI score of mushroom growers is due to low cosmopoliteness trait. This creates a gap as well as an opportunity for the extension functionaries, which need to be minimized. Therefore, awareness programmes and trainings which involve the participation of mushroom growers should be systematically planned and organized.