A Study on Agricultural Problems Faced by the Growers in Thanjavur District

Abstract

              Thanjavur District, popularly known as the “Rice Bowl of Tamil Nadu,” occupies an important position in the agricultural economy of the Cauvery delta. The present study examines the major agricultural problems faced by growers in Thanjavur District, with particular emphasis on problems relating to saplings and tubers and agricultural loans. The study identifies major constraints associated with the availability and cost of planting materials, productivity, quality, insects and diseases, and access to agricultural credit. Garrett’s Ranking Technique was employed to rank the problems faced by the growers, while the Chi-square test was used to examine the association between selected factors and the identified problems. The findings reveal that the menace of insects and diseases was the foremost problem relating to saplings and tubers, followed by the non-availability of saplings and tubers in time and low productivity. In the case of agricultural loans, inadequacy of finance for crop cultivation emerged as the major problem, followed by delays in extending loans and higher interest rates. The analysis also indicates significant associations between selected agricultural characteristics and certain problems faced by growers. The study suggests strengthening agricultural support services, improving timely availability of quality inputs and credit, providing modern cultivation training, and enhancing marketing and irrigation facilities to improve agricultural productivity and growers’ livelihood.