Constraints faced by the farmers in existing farming systems in North Konkan region of Maharashtra

Abstract

The present study was conducted in Raigad (non-tribal) and Palghar (tribal) districts of North Konkan region of Maharashtra state with the specific objectives viz., to identify the existing farming systems and to identify major constraints faced by the farmers. The multi stage random sampling plan was adopted for the selection of study area and sample respondents for collection of information required for the study. For the study 240 farmers were selected, out of which 120 sample farmers were from tribal area of Palghar district and 120 sample farmers were from non tribal area of Raigad district. Seven farming systems observed in the Raigad district, viz; FS-I: Crops + Vegetable, FS-II: Crops + Dairy, FS-III: Crops+ Poultry, FS-IV: Crops+ Vegetable + Dairy, FS-V: Crops+ Poultry + Dairy, FS-VI: Crops+ Vegetable + Goat and FSVII: Crops+ Vegetable + Orchard+ Dairy. While eight farming systems observed in the Palghar district, viz; FS-I: Crops + Vegetable, FS-II: Crops + Dairy, FS-III: Crops+ Flowers, FS-IV: Crops + Goat, FS-V: Crops + Vegetable + Dairy, FS-VI: Crops + Vegetable + Flowers, FS-VII: Crops+ Vegetable + Orchard and FS-VIII: Crops + Flowers + Orchard + Dairy. Major constraints faced by farmers in crop production in both the districts were, lack of marketing facilities, lack of credit facilities, high incidence of disease and pest. In livestock enterprises problems of heat detection in local cow, lack of common grazing land, and relatively low conception rate through A.I In horticulture major constraints were high incidence of disease and pest, lack of processing facilities.