Constraints faced and suggestions given by beneficiaries of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana in Jalna district

Introduction

In India, where farming is primarily dependent on rainfall, water is crucial for agricultural growth. Crop cultivation without irrigation can be dangerous and result in low yields because of unpredictable rains. Research indicates that farmers who have access to assured irrigation are more inclined to invest in modern agricultural methods and inputs, resulting in improved productivity and income. The primary objective of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) is to ensure that all agricultural fields across the country receive protective irrigation. This initiative aims to increase crop yields per unit of water used, thereby enhancing rural prosperity. The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) is a national program designed to enhance farm productivity and improve resource utilization across India. The Indian government is committed to prioritizing water conservation and management. PMKSY aims to expand irrigation coverage-ensuring "Har Khet Ko Pani" (water for every field)-and improve water use efficiency with the motto "Per Drop More Crop." The initiative focuses on creating and managing water sources, distributing water efficiently, applying it effectively in the fields, and extending these practices.

Objective

To know constraints faced and suggestions given by the beneficiaries of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana in Jalna District.

Materials and Methods

The current study was done in the Marathwada region of Maharashtra state during the year 2023-24 with the purpose to know the constraints faced and the suggestions provided by beneficiary farmers of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana. From Marathwada region Jalna District was selected purposively on the basis of maximum number of PMKSY beneficiaries. The three Tehsils of Jalna district namely Jalna, Badnapur and Ghansawangi selected purposively. Four villages from each tehsil were selected based on maximum no. of PMKSY beneficiaries. Ten beneficiary farmers were selected from each village randomly from the list of PMKSY beneficiaries.

Data were collected by personally interviewing 120 beneficiary farmers with the help of interview schedule. Statistical tools such as frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation and correlation coefficient were used for grouping the data.

Results and Discussion

The various constraints faced and suggestions given by the beneficiaries of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana are presented in Table 1 andTable 2 respectively (45.00%) its rank VII, high initial investment cost (42.50%) its rank VIII, initially complete amount has to be paid by farmers which is unaffordable for them (40.83%) its rank IX, lack of understanding and awareness of the scheme (39.17%) and its rank X, PMKSY is a difficult procedure (35.83%) its rank XI, the application process in PMKSY might take a lengthy period (34.17%) its rank XII, lack of extension support (32.50%) its rank XIII and clogging of emitters (30.83%) and its rank XIV were the major constraints. Organizing training and demonstration to farmers and extension workers on regular basis. 54 45.00 IX 10.

Total amount to be paid by beneficiaries should be deducted from subsidy. 51 42.50 X It was indicated from table 2 that in order to overcome the above constraints some suggestions were given by the beneficiaries they are as, the scheme's complete benefits should be delivered on times (58.33%) its rank I, the amount of subsidy should be increased (57.50%)its rank II, standard quality of material should be provided (55.83%) its rank III, Local dealers should be provided with spare parts (54.17%) its rank IV, Timely information should be disseminated by extension agents (52.50%) its rank V, The government should supply the necessary equipment at proper times (49.17%) its rank VI, Good quality of emitters should provide to the beneficiaries (47.50%) its rank VII, Regular visits by extension officials should be made (45.83%) its rank VIII, Organizing training and demonstration to farmers and extension workers on regular basis (45.00%) its rank IX, Total amount to be paid by beneficiaries should be deducted from subsidy (42.50%) and its rank X.

Conclusion

The main constraints observed by beneficiary farmers were lack of capital to cover the maximum area. The other significant constraints reported was delay in sanctioning of PMKSY, sometimes the equipment's supplied by PMKSY was found inferior or poor quality, lack of awareness and knowledge about fertigation, credit assessment is low from Govt, irregular power supply, insufficient training on operation and maintenance of equipment's, high initial investment cost, initially complete amount has to be paid by farmers which is unaffordable for them, lack of understanding and awareness of the scheme, PMKSY is a difficult procedure, the application process in PMKSY might take a lengthy period, lack of extension support, Clogging of emitters.

The suggestions given by beneficiaries of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana were the scheme's complete benefits should be delivered on times, the amount of subsidy should be increased, standard quality of material should be provided, local dealers should be provided with spare parts, timely information should be disseminated by extension agents, the government should supply the necessary equipment at proper times, good quality of emitters should provide to the beneficiaries, regular visits by extension officials should be made, organizing training and demonstration to farmers and extension workers on regular basis, total amount to be paid by beneficiaries should be deducted from subsidy.

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