Analysis of constraints faced by mustard growers in Jaunpur District, Uttar Pradesh

Introduction

Mustard (Brassica juncea) is a cornerstone of India's oilseed sector, supporting edible oil production and farmer livelihoods. India ranks second globally in rapeseed and mustard area (15.2%) and fourth in production (9.5%), with 8.17 million tons produced from 6.69 million hectares in 2010-11 (FAOSTAT, 2018) [1] . In Uttar Pradesh, Jaunpur district (25°24' to 26°12' N, 82°7' to 83°5' E) is a key contributor to the state's 11.19% share of national mustard output, leveraging its agro-climatic suitability and agrarian economy. As a rabi crop, mustard fits well into local cropping patterns, requiring minimal water and thriving on marginal lands, making it ideal for small and marginal farmers. Despite its potential, mustard growers in Jaunpur face significant barriers to adopting improved practices, such as high-yielding varieties (e.g., Pusa Bold), integrated pest management (IPM) and timely irrigation, which can increase yields by 20-30% (Yadav and Mishra 2018) [6] . These constraints, spanning knowledge deficits, economic challenges and infrastructure limitations, reduce productivity and perpetuate socio-economic challenges. Understanding these barriers is critical for designing interventions to enhance mustard yields and support India's goal of reducing edible oil imports. This study, titled "Analysis of Constraints Faced by Mustard Growers in Jaunpur District, Uttar Pradesh," aims to identify and rank the constraints faced by 300 mustard growers and propose actionable solutions. The objectives are: 1. To ascertain the constraints faced by mustard growers in adopting improved cultivation practices. 2. To propose suggestions to address these constraints, enhancing productivity and livelihoods.

The study draws on data from a broader investigation into mustard cultivation, focusing on constraints and solutions to inform policymakers, extension agents and agricultural organizations, promoting sustainable agriculture in Jaunpur.

Methodology 2.1 Research Design

A descriptive research design was employed to systematically identify and analyze constraints faced by mustard growers. This design is suitable for fact-finding studies, providing detailed insights into specific phenomena with robust interpretation. The study combined quantitative (frequency, percentage) and qualitative (ranking, contextual analysis) approaches to ensure a comprehensive understanding of constraints and suggestions.

Sampling Procedure

A multistage sampling technique ensured representativeness across Jaunpur's agrarian landscape. Jaunpur district, spanning 4,038 km², was selected due to its prominence in mustard production and proximity to Krishi Vigyan Kendras www.extensionjournal.com (KVKs). The district was chosen for its agricultural significance and researcher familiarity. From Jaunpur's 21 blocks, four-Sujanganj, Mungara Badshahpur, Machhlishahar and Mariyahu-were purposively selected based on their high mustard cultivation area. Within these blocks, 16 villages (four per block) were identified and a list of mustard growers was compiled with assistance from agriculture supervisors. A total of 300 growers were randomly selected, with 75 respondents per block, proportionate to village size.

Measurement of Constraints and Suggestions

Constraints were measured by asking respondents to identify barriers to adopting practices like high-yielding varieties, seed treatment and IPM. A list of 15 constraints was developed based on literature and pilot testing.

Respondents indicated applicable constraints and frequencies were calculated. Constraints were ranked by percentage prevalence. Seven proposed solutions were similarly ranked by frequency and percentage of endorsement.

Statistical Analysis

Data were analyzed using frequency and percentage distributions to rank constraints and suggestions, calculated as:

• (P): Percentage • (X): Frequency of respondents reporting a constraint/suggestion • (N): Total respondents (300) Ranks were assigned in descending order, with Rank I indicating the most prevalent constraint/suggestion. Descriptive analysis linked constraints to socio-economic and institutional factors.

Limitations

1. The study covered 300 growers in four blocks, potentially missing perspectives from other blocks. 2. Self-reported data may introduce bias, mitigated by pretesting. 3. The study focused on general constraints, lacking comparative analysis with specific grower subgroups.

4. The cross-sectional design limits trend analysis.

Results and Discussion

The study revealed significant constraints faced by 300 mustard growers in Jaunpur district, with knowledge-related barriers being the most prevalent. A staggering 85% of growers (255 respondents) reported a lack of knowledge about mustard cultivation practices, such as optimal fertilizer doses (100:75 kg/ha NP), which can reduce yields by 15-20% (Yadav et al. 2024) [9] . This reflects limited access to training, as only 30% engage with KVK programs, often due to time constraints and low extension outreach in remote areas like Sahson. Similarly, 75% (225 growers) lacked awareness of high-yielding varieties like Pusa Bold or Jair Kisan, which offer 20-30% higher yields, a gap exacerbated by inadequate hands-on training (Yadav and Mishra 2018) [7] . Knowledge about seed treatment, critical for preventing diseases like Alternaria blight, was absent among 70% (210 growers), further limiting productivity. Supply chain issues were also prominent, with 80% (240 growers) facing timely unavailability of inputs like fertilizers and pesticides, forcing reliance on distant markets and increasing costs by 30% (Kumar et al. 2023) [2] . Nonavailability of high-yielding seeds affected 60% (180 growers), a challenge noted in Mathura, where hybrid seed shortages constrain adoption. Economic barriers were significant, with 65% (195 growers) citing poor economic conditions, particularly among marginal farmers (32.66% of the sample), who struggle to afford inputs costing 20,000-25,000/ha (Medhi et al. 2017) [4] . The high cost of plant protection measures, such as pesticides like Indofil M-45, deterred 55% (165 growers) from adopting IPM, aligning with findings in Punjab (Yadav et al. 2024) [9] . Infrastructure constraints Faced by Mustard Growers further Unreliable electricity for water pumping affected 44% (132 growers), increasing reliance on costly diesel pumps (40.66% of irrigation costs). Market and policy challenges included low produce prices (≤6,000/quintal) for 35.66% (107 growers) and lack of proper markets for 30.66% (92 growers), as Jaunpur's exclusion from e-NAM platforms limits sales. High insect pest incidence impacted 24.66% (74 growers), manageable with IPM but constrained by knowledge and cost. Poor government procurement policies affected 20.33% (61 growers), reducing incentives, while scattered land holdings, reported by 15.33% (46 growers), limited mechanization. The finding align with previous research by (Yadav et al. 2024) [9] .

References

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