Extent of Mental Preparedness of Tamil Nadu farmers in Marketing their Produce during Future Lockdowns

Author: Rajapandi P., Ravi Kumar Theodore, Suresh Kumar D., Balasubramaniam P. and Patil Santosh Ganapati

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Abstract

This study was conducted to assess the extent of mental preparedness of farmers in marketing their produce during future lockdowns. The research focused on three horticultural crops viz., tomato, banana, and jasmine, which were most affected during the Covid-19 lockdown period. The study was conducted in three districts of Tamil Nadu viz., Krishnagiri, Erode, and Madurai, based on their highest area under the respective crops. A total of 240 farmers were surveyed using proportionate random sampling method. The findings revealed that in the case of physical function, majority of the tomato growers expressed that their intention will be to utilize more family labour and less outside labour during future lockdowns. Banana growers also showed a similar response. Jasmine farmers were mentally prepared to process their produce for sale if processing facilities will be available. Regarding the exchange function, majority (62.50%) of the banana farmers expressed their willingness to sell their produce to Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs). In terms of the facilitative function, majority of banana (52.50%) and jasmine (53.75%) farmers intended to use Non-Banking Financial Institutions (NBFIs) for availing loan facilities if interest rates were lower during future lockdowns. Banana and Jasmine farmers expressed their willingness to seek assistance from Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), and FPOs. However, a smaller proportion of farmers expressed their willingness to use Kisan Call Centre (KCC) and market intelligence provided by the Domestic and Export Market Intelligence Cell (DEMIC) of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU). The study highlights the importance of family labour, processing facilities, and alternative marketing channels such as marketing through FPOs by farmers during future lockdowns. It also underscores the need to promote KCC and DEMIC services to improve farmers' access to market information. These findings can guide policymakers and extension functionaries in implementing strategies to enhance the resilience of farmers' marketing behaviour in the face of potential future pandemics and lockdowns.

Keywords

Preparedness, Marketing, Future Lockdown, Horticultural Crops, Covid-19

Conclusion

The Covid-19 pandemic had a significant impact on agricultural operations and supply chains worldwide, including India. Lockdowns and movement restrictions disrupted the marketing of agricultural produce and posed various challenges for farmers. The results of this study indicated that the tomato and banana farmers were mentally prepared to rely more on family labour and reduce outside labour during future lockdowns. Farmers also expressed readiness to utilize processing and cold storage facilities if available during future lockdowns and to sell their produce to FPOs. Banana and Jasmine Farmers showed interest in seeking assistance from Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), NGOs, and FPOs during future lockdowns. However, the willingness to utilize KCC and market intelligence provided by DEMIC by farmers was low during future lockdowns, which indicated the need for more promotional efforts to popularize them among the farmers. Policy makers and extension functionaries should focus on enhancing farmers' access to KCC, market intelligence by DEMIC, and financial institutions to improve their preparedness and resilience in the face of future lockdowns or similar crises.

References

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How to cite this article

Rajapandi P., Ravi Kumar Theodore, Suresh Kumar D., Balasubramaniam P. and Patil Santosh Ganapati (2023). Extent of Mental Preparedness of Tamil Nadu farmers in Marketing their Produce during Future Lockdowns. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(8a): 164-167.