Constraints in Production and Marketing of Organic Millets in Rainfed Tribal Tract of Attapady Hills, Kerala

Author: Logeshwari N., Hema M., Prema A., Neetha Rose C.D. and Sumiya K.V.

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Abstract

The present study was conducted in Attapady block of Palakkad district of Kerala in March, 2024. Cultivating millets in rainfed region is a promising climate-smart practice in hilly tribal regions, offering a sustainable way to combat malnutrition, climate uncertainties, and poverty, as millets are highly nutritious. Primary data for the study were collected using pre-structured interview schedules from 90 tribal rainfed farmers in the Agali, Pudur, and Sholaiyurpanchayats of Attapady. Millet production in the study area faces significant challenges, including inadequate and untimely rainfall, low profitability, wild animal and bird attacks, labour shortages, and high wage rates. Farmers often rely on traditional millet varieties due to the unavailability of high-yielding varieties, leading to low productivity. Poor soil fertility, limited technical knowledge, and shifting cultivation practices further reduces its output. Addressing these constraints through irrigation projects, improved farming practices, and better market access is essential for sustainable millet production. Millet marketing in tribal regions faces significant challenges, including distress sales due to delayed procurement, high transportation costs, and inadequate on-farm storage. The quality and quantity variations among tribal farmers' produce hinder effective aggregation, while delayed cash payments under existing schemes affect livelihoods. Consumers also face high millet prices, highlighting the need for improved market intelligence and sustained efficient marketing channel

Keywords

Millet, Rainfed, Tribal farmers, Attapady

Conclusion

A significant constraint in millet production in the rainfed tribal zones of the Attapady hills is the inadequate and untimely rainfall, emphasising the urgent need to complete the ongoing Attapady Valley Irrigation Project. Enhancing productivity and profitability in millet cultivation can be achieved by adopting high-yielding varieties, implementing efficient water conservation techniques, and optimising input use rather than increasing input quantities alone. Wild animal attacks are persistent in hilly regions, causing considerable crop damage. Policymakers must prioritise developing and implementing effective strategies to protect fields from such attacks. Addressing human-wildlife conflicts is essential to safeguarding the livelihoods and security of farmers in these complex-terrain. It is equally important to raise awareness among tribal farmers about the advantages of using high-yielding varieties and adopting improved cultivation practices. Timely procurement of millet and prompt cash payments can help farmers avoid distress sales. Furthermore, establishing common storage facilities at the hamlet level and improving transportation infrastructure are critical steps toward creating a sustainable and efficient millet marketing system

References

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How to cite this article

Logeshwari N., Hema M., Prema A., Neetha Rose C.D. and Sumiya K.V. (2024). Constraints in Production and Marketing of Organic Millets in Rainfed Tribal Tract of Attapady Hills, Kerala. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 16(12): 115-118.