Soybean cultivation by farmers of Maharashtra: Identification and analysis of the problems

Abstract

In Maharashtra, soybean is cultivated on an area of 3.8 M ha with production of 3.07 m ton with second rank in India. However, low productivity of the crop remains a major problem of soybean cultivation, necessitating the need to ascertain the problems faced by soybean growers. Therefore, a study was conducted in the 20 villages of five districts of western Maharashtra. A survey method using personal interview of 100 farmers and focused group discussion with villagers, were used for data collection during the year 2013-14. Study found that labour problems, irrigation facilities, weed management, marketing of produce, pest and disease management were the top five constraints faced by the farmers in soybean cultivation. Shortage of labour and higher wages during peak period (95%) was major labour related constraints faced by farmers. In irrigation, farmers reported lack of irrigation facilities (81%) as major constraints in soybean cultivation. Proper farm mechanization, water conservation measures, short duration drought resistant varieties of soybean, timely supply of institutional credits and training to farmers on improved cultivation practices are important suggested measures to overcome the constraints faced by these farmers, for sustainable and profitable soybean production.

Farmers’ Problems Associated with Cultivation of Sunflower: A Case Study of Barguna District, Bangladesh

“…This may be due to communication gap with markets. Similar findings were observed by Miah et al [21], Mandal et al [23], Jaybhay et al [16].…”

“…This might be during the peak period of cultivation labor scarcity prevails due to other agricultural cultivation. Jaybhay et al [16] found similar result in his research.…”

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Yield and Physiological Response of Common Bean in Three Semi-Commercial Farmers’ Fields in Limpopo Province

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Performance of different tank mix herbicides for broad-spectrum weed control in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill]

“…Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] is one of the most important oilseed crops in India (Jaybhay et al 2018). The crop is called "Golden bean" or "Miracle crop" of the 21 st century because of its multiple uses (Jadhav 2014).…”