Socio-economic status and constraint’s faced by piggery growers in Ernakulam district of Kerala

Introduction

Piggery farming in Kerala has emerged as an important livelihood activity, contributing to both rural income generation and nutritional security. Historically, pig rearing in the state has been practiced by small and marginal farmers, particularly in regions like Ernakulam, where it serves as a supplementary source of income alongside traditional agriculture. Over the years, piggery has gained traction due to its relatively low investment requirements and quick economic returns compared to other livestock sectors. However, the sector faces numerous challenges, including high feed costs, disease outbreaks, inadequate veterinary services, and unorganized marketing channels. The majority of pig farmers in Ernakulam district are smallholders, with many falling into economically vulnerable categories due to fluctuating market prices and limited access to institutional support. Despite its potential, piggery remains an underdeveloped sector, constrained by a lack of technical knowledge, poor breed improvement programs, and insufficient government policies. The socioeconomic profile of pig farmers often reflects these challenges, with many relying on traditional practices that limit productivity and profitability. While pig farming offers opportunities for livelihood diversification, its growth is hindered by structural issues such as fragmented supply chains, limited cold storage facilities, and weak market linkages. Additionally, cultural perceptions and limited awareness about modern pig-rearing techniques further restrict the sector's expansion. Addressing these constraints through better extension services, improved healthcare support, and policy interventions could enhance the sustainability and profitability of piggery farming in Kerala, ensuring its role in the state's rural economy.

Research methodology

The research employed a purposive-multistage random sampling methodology to select respondents from Ernakulam district, ensuring a representative sample of piggery farmers and market functionaries. Ernakulam district was purposively chosen as the study area due to its significant pig population growth (86.19% over seven years) and established pig farming culture, while also considering logistical feasibility for the investigator. Within Ernakulam district, Angamaly block was selected purposively given its historical engagement in piggery and high demand for pork in Kochi and surrounding areas. A complete list of pigrearing villages in Angamaly block was prepared with assistance from the Krishi Bhavan (Angamaly), from which 5% of villages were randomly selected for the study. From these villages, 10% of pig farmers were randomly chosen, www.extensionjournal.com resulting in a final sample size of respondents. The selected pig farmers were classified into three operational size categories based on herd size: small farmers (1-10 pigs), medium farmers (10-50 pigs), and large farmers (more than 50 pigs). Additionally, market functionaries including traders, middlemen, and retailers were identified through the Piggery Association, with 10% randomly selected for inclusion in the study. Primary data was collected through structured personal interviews-using a pre-tested questionnaire, conducted over six months to cover a complete production cycle, focusing on production practices, costs, marketing channels, and constraints faced by farmers. Secondary data was obtained from various sources including published reports and journals, government records (Agriculture Department, Block Development Office), KVK (Krishi Vigyan Kendra) and APMC (Agricultural Produce Market Committee) records, CPCRI (Central Plantation Crops Research Institute) data, and marketing officers' reports. The data collection was conducted during the 2024-2025 financial year to ensure relevance to current farming practices and market conditions. Collected data was analyzed using appropriate statistical tools including descriptive statistics, cost-benefit analysis, and marketing efficiency measures to derive meaningful conclusions about piggery production and marketing in the study area. This methodological approach ensured comprehensive coverage of both production and marketing aspects while maintaining scientific rigor in sample selection and data analysis, capturing the diversity of pig farming operations in Ernakulam district from small backyard units to larger commercial enterprises.

Analytical Tools 1. Chi-Square: 2. Garrett Ranking: Per cent position = 100 (Rij -0.5) / Nj

Results and Discussion

Conclusion

The present study highlights the complex socio-economic conditions and production challenges faced by piggery farmers in Ernakulam district of Kerala. The findings reveal that a significant proportion of pig farmers operate at small and medium scales. The demographic profile shows a predominance of middle-aged farmers, with varying levels of experience, engaged in piggery as either a primary or supplementary livelihood activity Despite the sector's potential for income generation and nutritional security, pig farmers encounter numerous challenges that limit productivity and profitability. Key constraints include. inadequate veterinary services, disease outbreaks, lack of organized marketing channels, and limited access to credit and technical knowledge. Additionally, fragmented supply chains and weak market linkages further hinder the sector's growth. The study also identifies significant relationships between socio-economic factors such as education, experience, and farm size, emphasizing the need for tailored interventions. To enhance the sustainability and profitability of piggery farming, comprehensive policy measures are required. These include strengthening extension services, improving access to affordable healthcare and quality feed, establishing better market infrastructure, and providing financial support through subsidies and credit facilities. Additionally, promoting awareness about modern pigrearing techniques and breed improvement programs can significantly boost productivity. Addressing these challenges holistically will not only improve the livelihoods of pig farmers but also contribute to the broader goals of rural development and food security in Kerala. By fostering

Acknowledgement

www.extensionjournal.com a more supportive ecosystem for piggery, stakeholders can unlock the sector's full potential as a viable and sustainable agricultural enterprise.

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