Identifying challenges in rainfed kharif field crops: A ground-level perspective from Bongaigaon, Assam

Abstract

The study was conducted during the 13-day Vikshit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan (VKSA) from 29th May to 12th June 2025 in Bongaigaon district of Assam to identify and prioritize constraints faced by farmers in cultivating rainfed kharif field crops. Data were collected through personal interviews and constraints were categorized into four groups: climatic and social, technological, economic & marketing and institutional & infrastructural. The Garrett Ranking Technique was employed to analyse and rank the responses. Among climatic constraints, erratic rainfall (62.92) and frequent flooding & waterlogging (53.61) were most pressing. In the technological category, farmers reported lack of quality seeds of high-yielding varieties (66.14) and pest and disease infestations (61.33) as top concerns. Under economic and marketing issues, high input costs (66.85) and high cost of land preparation (66.35) were major hurdles. Institutional and infrastructural challenges included weak extension delivery systems (66.35) and poor market linkages and storage facilities (57.79). The findings highlight the urgent need for targeted policy interventions to improve extension services, market infrastructure and climate-resilient farming support. Addressing these constraints is crucial for enhancing productivity and ensuring sustainable rainfed agriculture in the district.