Constraints in production and marketing of indigenous Assam lemon farming: Insights from Assam

Abstract

This study explores the intricate difficulties that native Assam lemon growers face as they strive to practice sustainable citrus cultivation in Assam, a product that is vital to the state's economy. Despite its economic importance, there are numerous obstacles that prevent Assam lemon cultivation from progressing. This research uses a mixed-methods approach that includes questionnaires, interviews, and on-site observations to fully examine these difficulties. The constraints experienced by 100 indigenous Assam lemon growers were divided into four main categories: technical, economic, storage and marketing, and general constraints. The limitations were evaluated by applying the Henry Garret ranking approach. Notably, with a mean score of 63.55, the inadequate technical knowledge appeared as the most pressing problem among the technical constraints. The high initial cost of establishment was the biggest barrier in terms of financial constraints, scoring a mean of 64.84. Additionally, with a mean score of 65.24, farmers cited severe price volatility as a difficult storage and marketing constraint. Additionally, with a mean score of 65.04, the restriction on small and fragmented land holdings was seen as an important general constraint. The important relevance of indigenous technical knowledge is shown by these research findings, which give insightful information on the particular challenges faced by indigenous Assam lemon growers. They act as a framework for the creation of focused interventions and support systems by policymakers, agricultural extension organizations, and stakeholders. This strategy seeks to effectively overcome these limitations while retaining and incorporating indigenous technological knowledge to increase the resilience and profitability of Assam lemon growing in the region.