Production constraints of banana cultivation in western district of Assam

Abstract

In North-Eastern Region, Assam is one of the potential state to increase the total banana production. In western districts of Assam, commercial cultivation of banana has gaining popularity in recent years. Commercial cultivation of Malbhog banana is noticed in Bongaigaon, Chirang and Dhubri districts of Assam. The study was conducted as a part of survey work with 270 numbers of farmers of three districts of Assam viz., Bongaigaon, Chirang and Dhubri. The study revealed that out of the technological constraints; lack of knowledge of scientific crop production ranked I (72.96%), occurrence of insect pests and diseases ranked II (70.00%) and Lack of regular visit by extension personnel to villages ranked III (65.18%) Again, as regards to the infrastructural constraints; less cultivable land ranked I (72.22%), non availability of quality planting material II (69.25%) and Inability to purchase modern agricultural implements (61.85%), ranked III. Whereas, out of the economical constraints; Non-availability of labour during peak period ranked I (71.11%), High cost of agricultural chemicals ranked II (65.92%), Non-availability of timely credit facilities and ranked III (62.59%).