Constraints faced by the MAUS-612 soybean variety growers & non-growers

Introduction

Soybean (Glycine max. L. Merill) is a leguminous crop and belongs to leguminaceae family. It is originated in China, it is a major oil seed crop in the world. Soybean is known as the "miracle crop", "wonder crop" etc, because of its several uses. Soybean contains 40 per cent proteins and 20 per cents oil. Soybean is the world's most important seed legume, which contributes to 25 per cent of the global edible oil. The present utilization pattern of soybean in India indicated that 85 per cent used for oil extraction, 10 per cent for seed and only 5 per cent for food and feed. Soybean has emerged as "golden bean" of 21st century and it is largely used as seed soybean is looked upon not merely as a means to supply food for humans and animals, but it improve the soil fertility by fix atmospheric nitrogen. About two thirds of the world's protein concentrate for livestock feeding is met from the de-oiled cake and it is a valuable ingredient in formulated feeds for poultry and fish. Apart from these two important uses of soybean, it also is an important commodity for the food manufacturers, pharmaceuticals and many more for its industrial uses.

Scenario of Soybean in World

According to Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), total area under soybean cultivation during 2022-23 in globally was around 136.84 Million ha., production was around 378.06 Million MT. and productivity was around 2.76 MT/ha. According to table 1 the five major soybean producing countries in the world are, Brazil (162.00 Million MT), USA (116.22 Million MT), Argentina (25.00 Million MT), China (20.28 Million MT) and India (12.41 Million MT).

Scenario of Soybean in India

Out of total world soybean production countries, India's rank 5 th in respect of production of soybean of the world with 12.41 Million MT. and rank 4 th in total area with 13.08 Million ha. as per FAO.

In India five major soybean producing states are, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Karnataka and Gujarat. Among all major soybean producing states according to table 2 Maharashtra rank 2 nd in total area as well as production also with 49.26 Lakh ha. and 66.16 Lakh MT.

Scenario of Soybean in Marathwada Region

The table 3 indicated that total area under soybean cultivation in Marathwada region was around 24.87 Lakh ha. and production is around 33.05 Lakh MT. In Marathwada Region total 8 districts are present i.e. Aurangabad, Jalna, Beed, Latur, Osmanabad, Nanded, Parbhani and Hingoli. Out of this total 8 districts Latur district rank 1 st in total area as well as production also with 4.89 Lakh ha. & 5.39 Lakh MT.

Scope of Soybean Cultivation in Agricultural Economics

Soybean farming holds diverse applications within agricultural economics, encompassing production, marketing, trade, policy, and sustainability. Agricultural economists assess the profitability and risk factors of soybean cultivation through economic feasibility studies, analyzing input costs, output prices, and yield potential. Cost-benefit analyses and financial modeling techniques are employed to optimize resource allocation, considering variables such as land, labor, machinery, fertilizers, pesticides, and other inputs. Market dynamics and pricing trends in the soybean sector are investigated to understand supply-demand factors, price volatility, market integration, and price transmission across channels and regions. This market analysis supports stakeholders, including farmers, traders, processors, and policymakers, in making informed decisions about production, storage, transportation, and marketing strategies to enhance profitability and mitigate risks. The global trade of soybeans is a critical focus area, involving studies of import-export patterns, tariffs, quotas, and trade agreements to evaluate trade policy impacts on competitiveness, market access, and geopolitical influences. Agricultural economists also examine the socioeconomic implications of soybean farming, including its effects on rural livelihoods, employment, income distribution, poverty alleviation, and food security. Policy analysis evaluates the effectiveness of regulations, subsidies, and incentives on trade, production, and environmental sustainability. Moreover, sustainability assessments analyze the environmental, social, and economic dimensions of soybean farming, emphasizing the trade-offs between financial gains and long-term benefits like soil health, water quality, biodiversity, and climate change mitigation. Interdisciplinary research and stakeholder collaboration are essential to address complex challenges and foster sustainable development in the soybean value chain.

Materials and Methods

The primary data was collected for the study pertaining to agriculture year 2022-23. The data was collected through personal interview method with the help of pre-tested comprehensive schedule for soybean crop from sample farmers. Secondary data needed for the study that is year wise and district wise for area, production and productivity was obtained from different sources viz. Directorate of Statistics and Evaluation, Websites of Government of Maharashtra and AICRP Soybean Research Station, VNMKV Parbhani.

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Constraints Analysis Garrett's ranking technique

Garrett's ranking technique was used to study the opinions of the farmers regarding the major constraints associated with production and marketing of soybean. As per this method, respondents was asked to assign the rank for all factors and the outcomes of such ranking was converted into garret score value with the help of the following formula:

Where, Rij = Rank given for the ith variable by jth respondents and Nj = Number of variable ranked by jth respondents

The per cent position is converted into scores by referring to the table given by Garett and Woodworth (1969). Then for each factor, the scores of each individual was added and then total value of scores and mean values of score were calculated. These mean scores for all the factors were arranged in descending order and the most influencing factors was identified through the ranks assigned. The factors having highest mean value was considered to be the most important factor.

• The Per cent Positions and Garret Values

The Garret ranks were calculated by using appropriate Garret Ranking formula, based on the Garret ranks, the garret value was calculated. The Garret tables and scores of each constraint multiplied to records scores, finally by adding each row, the total Garret scores were obtained.

Results and Discussion

Agronomical

Constraints: Among agronomical challenges, "Lack of Knowledge About Management Practices" was paramount for both groups, with the highest mean scores (52.66 for growers, 55.03 for non-growers). "High Incidence of Pests" (50.75 growers, 52.44 nongrowers) and "High Incidence of Fungal Disease" (50.39 growers, 51.53 non-growers) were also significant, underscoring the need for improved pest and disease management strategies. for timely dissemination of agricultural information.

Marketing Constraints

Improving Access to Financial Resources

• Expand credit schemes tailored for smallholder farmers, ensuring timely availability of funds for purchasing inputs and managing operational costs. • Provide subsidies or financial incentives for high-cost inputs like seeds, fertilizers, and pest control measures to reduce the financial burden on farmers.

Developing Infrastructure for Resource and Market Accessibility

• Invest in rural infrastructure, including irrigation systems, reliable electricity supply, and village-level input centers, to ensure the availability of critical resources.

• Build storage facilities and improve transportation networks to mitigate post-harvest losses and enhance market access.

Market Reforms to Improve Farmer Profitability

• Revise and enhance the Minimum Support Price (MSP) system to align with market trends and production costs, ensuring fair returns for soybean growers. • Establish efficient and transparent payment systems to provide prompt remuneration for farmers post-sale.

Fostering Research and Technology Adoption

• Promote research into pest-resistant and climate-resilient soybean varieties to address agronomical constraints like pest outbreaks and erratic rainfall. • Encourage adoption of advanced farming technologies through government-supported demonstration programs and farmer cooperatives.

These policies aim to address the root causes of the challenges identified, improving productivity, profitability, and sustainability for MAUS-612 soybean growers and non-growers alike.

References

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