Identifying Constraints to Dryland Farming: A Study of Technical, Socio-personal, and Financial Barriers in Drought Prone Area of Andhra Pradesh, India
M. Chennamadhava *
Department of Agricultural Extension and Communication, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221055, India.
P.L.R.J. Praveena
Department of Agricultural Extension, Agricultural College, Rajamahendravaram, ANGRAU, India.
T. Lakshmi
Department Agricultural Extension Education, S.V. Agricultural College, Tirupati, ANGRAU, India.
P. Maheswara Reddy
Department of Agronomy, Regional Agricultural Research Station, Tirupati-517502, ANGRAU, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Dryland farming is a crucial agricultural practice in many regions, but farmers face various constraints that hinder its adoption. This study investigated the technical, socio-personal, and financial constraints faced by dryland farmers in Prakasam district of Andhra Pradesh. A survey of 120 farmers revealed that technical constraints were the most severe, with insufficient availability of water (226 - I) and non-availability of quality seed in time (208 - II) being the top two constraints. Socio-personal constraints, such as illiteracy (188 - II) and inability to accept new practices (186 - III), were also significant. Financial constraints, including high cost of inputs (212 - I) and delay in sanction of loans (200 - II), were also major concerns. Friedman test results showed a significant difference between the different constraints (p < 0.001), with technical constraints having the highest mean rank (2.40). Wilcoxon signed rank test results revealed significant differences between technical and socio-personal constraints (p = 0.009) and financial and technical constraints (p = 0.001), but not between socio-personal and financial constraints (p = 0.321). These findings highlight the need to address technical constraints to improve adoption of critical interventions in dryland farming.
Keywords: Dryland farming, technical constraints, socio-personal constraints, financial constraints, wilcoxon signed-rank test