PROJECT REPORT ON STUDY ON FACTORS AFFECTING THE MARKETING OF VEGETABLES GROWN UNDER MICRO-DRIP IRRIGATION IN RANCHI DISTRICT
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Date
2021
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Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi
Abstract
A study on factors affecting the marketing of vegetables grown under micro-drip
irrigation in Ranchi district of Jharkhand under two blocks namely Kanke and Ratu was
undertaken with objectives of identifying the factors affecting the marketing of vegetables,
suggesting measures for improvement in marketing of vegetables grown under micro-drip
irrigation system and to find the best suited vegetable crops for cultivation under microdrip
irrigation system in Ranchi district. Marketing of vegetables is challenging because
of the perishability, seasonality, bulkiness and consumption habits of the Indian
consumers. The study makes an attempt to examine the functionality of JHIMDI
(Jharkhand Horticulture Intensification by Micro-Drip Irrigation project) funded by JICA
(Japan International Cooperation Agency) and run by JSLPS (Jharkhand State Livelihood
Promotion Society) with main objective of identification of problems that are faced by the
farmers (i.e., the vegetable growers subsidized under the JHIMDI project) in marketing of
their produces along with suggesting the relevant solutions to the problems identified in
Ranchi district of Jharkhand. Kanke and Ratu blocks of Ranchi district were selected
purposively for study and collection of primary data like name, place, vegetables grown,
market reach of the farmers etc. Thus, altogether 200 farmers were taken under study for
data collection and analysis from each block who were involved in vegetable cultivation
using Micro-Drip Irrigation (MDI) technique (considering the land holding to be 25
decimal on Micro drip irrigation system for each farmer). It was found that a number of
vegetable crops are being cultivated by the farmers on the fields having MDI set up.
Production is reported to be much more in the farming using MDI technique than the
conventional farming by the farmers. Almost all the respondents were found to be satisfied
with doing farming involving MDI technique. As per the study, the most suited crop for
cultivation with MDI system in Ranchi district was found to be Cucumber followed by
Bean and Bottle Gourd. Major problem in the marketing of vegetables was found to be
related to transportation, post-harvest management of the vegetables and exploitation of
farmers in the whole process by different existing intermediaries and traders in the system.
To overcome the prevailing problems, private cooperatives or similar self-managed bodies
should be made to reduce the transportation problems of the farmers by creating a medium
through which they can directly sell their vegetables from their farm to the big businesses
and proper storage facilities should be provided to the farmers. Overall experience in
farming involving MDI was found to be very satisfactory as well as reliable and farmers
are happy utilizing the technique for earning their livelihoods.