Constraints faced by coconut growers in coconut based farming systems of Kerala and Maharashtra

Abstract

Coconut cultivation forms a crucial part of the agricultural economy in India, particularly in states like Kerala and Maharashtra. This study investigates the constraints encountered by coconut growers in these states, focusing on five dimensions: production, input, economic, extension, and marketing constraints. An ex-post facto research design was employed, covering 240 farmers across 24 villages in Kerala and Maharashtra. Data collection involved survey and ranking the severity of constraints using a five-point scale. Kendall’s coefficient of concordance demonstrated strong agreement among respondents in ranking these constraints, with significant values of 0.628 for Kerala and 0.822 for Maharashtra. Input constraints were particularly prominent in Kerala, while economic constraints ranked higher in Maharashtra. Extension challenges, including limited training and weak integration among agencies, were common across both states. Marketing constraints, though less severe, pointed to inefficiencies in delivery systems and limited access to innovative opportunities. The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions tailored to the specific needs of each state.