Agrotechnology

A constraints analysis of organic farming systems in Bagalkot district of Karnataka

2^nd International Conference on Agricultural & Horticultural Sciences

Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel, Hyderabad, India February 03-05, 2014

Vijayachandra Reddy and S. M. Mundinamani

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: Agrotechnol

Abstract:

The present study was conducted to analyze the constraints of organic farming systems in Bagalkot district of Karnataka with specific focus on production, marketing, infrastructure and extension support related problems in Bagalkot district by collecting primary data from 95 organic growers using Garretts ranking technique during the year 2011-12. The results revealed that, the major production constraints like non availability of labour in peak season, insufficient power supply and non availability of irrigation sources for adoption of organic farming were major constraints in the study area. In case of marketing, major constraints like non availability of market information, lack of exclusive organic market and retailers are not ready to deal with organic produce. The results also reveals that, lack of awareness on utility and importance of organic practices, more schemes to compensate initial 2-3 years on the conversion to organic farming and lack of processing facilities and organic testing agencies in local areas were major problems related to infrastructure in the study area. However, In case of extension support, no proper communication among extension workers and farmers and lack of training or field demonstrations on organic farming systems and veterinary facilities were major problems observed in the study area. Hence study suggests that, arrangements should be made to provide required market information to the farmers timely and adequately through extension agents or concerned market institutions. There is also a need to strengthen infrastructure and extension facility and formulate appropriate policies for safe guarding the interest of the farmers.

Biography :

Vijayachandra Reddy is currently working as Research Associate in National Academy of Agricultural Research Management (NAARM), Hyderabad-500030. He has completed his Ph.D. from University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), Dharwad-580005, Karnataka State. He has published more than 21 papers in reputed journals and edited books.