Adaptation strategies followed by fig growers in major fig-growing areas of Maharashtra

Introduction

Fig (Ficus carica L.

) is an important fruit crop grown in tropical and subtropical regions due to its nutritional, medicinal, and economic significance. Globally, fig production exceeds 1.3 million tonnes, with major producers including Turkey, Egypt, and Iran. In India, fig cultivation is largely concentrated in Maharashtra, particularly in Pune district, where favorable agro-climatic conditions support its commercial cultivation. However, increasing climate variability has emerged as a significant challenge affecting fig production. Irregular rainfall, prolonged dry spells, rising temperatures, and increased pest and disease incidence adversely influence flowering, fruit set, fruit development, and yield stability. Given the perennial nature of fig orchards, the impact of climatic stress is long-term, affecting both productivity and economic returns. These challenges necessitate the adoption of appropriate adaptation strategies to sustain fig cultivation under changing climatic conditions. Adaptation strategies refer to long-term, planned adjustments in agricultural practices, technologies, and institutional arrangements aimed at minimizing the adverse impacts of climate variability and enhancing resilience. These include improved irrigation practices, soil moisture conservation techniques, adoption of climate-resilient www.extensionjournal.com varieties, scientific orchard management, and strengthened market and institutional linkages. In contrast, coping strategies are short-term, reactive measures adopted by farmers to manage immediate climatic shocks and stresses. While coping strategies provide temporary relief, adaptation strategies are essential for ensuring long-term sustainability and resilience of farming systems. Although farmers adopt a range of adaptation measures, there is limited empirical evidence on the relative importance and prioritization of these strategies in fig cultivation . Most existing studies focus primarily on production constraints, with insufficient attention to systematically evaluating adaptation practices. Therefore, the present study focuses on identifying and prioritizing the adaptation strategies adopted by fig growers using the Garrett ranking technique. The study aims to provide policyrelevant insights for enhancing adaptive capacity and promoting sustainable fig cultivation in the context of climate variability.

Methodology

The present study was conducted in major fig-growing districts of Maharashtra, namely Pune and Sambhajinagar.

An ex-post facto research design was adopted, as the study focused on existing adaptation strategies without manipulation of variables. A combination of purposive and random sampling techniques was used for selecting respondents. Initially, major fig-growing areas were selected purposively, followed by random selection of villages and fig growers. A total of 300 fig growers were selected for the study. Primary data were collected using a structured and pretested interview schedule, covering various adaptation strategies adopted by farmers under climate variability. The data were analyzed using appropriate statistical tools such as frequency, percentage, and Garrett ranking technique. The Garrett ranking method was used to prioritize adaptation strategies based on farmers' perceptions.

Results and Discussion

The adaptation strategies adopted by fig growers were analysed using the Garrett ranking technique, and the results are presented in Table 1. The ranking was based on mean Garrett scores to determine the relative importance of each strategy. Bio-mulching (Rank I) was identified as the most important adaptation strategy due to its effectiveness in conserving soil moisture, regulating soil temperature, and improving soil health under drought conditions. Its low cost and ease of adoption make it highly suitable for farmers.

Bio-mulching was found to be an effective climate-resilient practice adopted by fig The application of compost, goat manure, and poultry manure was found to be an important practice among fig growers for improving soil health and crop productivity. These organic manures enhance soil fertility by increasing organic matter content and stimulating microbial activity, which supports efficient nutrient cycling. They provide a slow and steady supply of essential nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and micronutrients, ensuring sustained plant growth. Compost improves the soil's moisture-holding capacity and overall structure, while goat manure contributes to gradual nutrient release due to its rich organic content. Poultry manure, when properly decomposed, supplies nutrients quickly and promotes vegetative growth. The use of these manures also improves root development, reduces soil compaction, and enhances aeration, thereby increasing water use efficiency and drought tolerance. Additionally, it reduces reliance on chemical fertilizers, lowers cultivation costs, and supports organic farming practices. Overall, this approach contributes to better fruit quality, stable yields, and strengthens the adaptive capacity of fig growers under changing climatic conditions. Organic plant protection measures (Rank III), including neem extract and Dashparni ark, were preferred for their eco-friendly nature and effectiveness in controlling pests while maintaining ecological balance.

The use of neem extract and Dashparni ark was observed to be an important eco-friendly adaptation strategy adopted by fig growers for managing insect pests and diseases. Neem extract effectively controls sucking pests such as thrips, aphids, mites, and early stages of stem borer by acting as a repellent, antifeedant, and growth regulator. Similarly, Dashparni ark, a botanical formulation prepared from leaves of multiple plant species, provides broad-spectrum protection against insect pests and certain fungal infections. These organic plant protection measures help in reducing pest populations without adversely affecting beneficial organisms, thereby maintaining ecological balance. In The use of rain pipes and drip irrigation systems was found to be an effective water management strategy adopted by fig growers to cope with climate variability. These systems ensure uniform water application, similar to natural rainfall, and are particularly useful for providing protective irrigation during heat stress and dry spells. They help in reducing temperature stress on plants, improving soil moisture distribution, and supporting better growth, especially in young orchards and newly planted saplings. Additionally, rain pipes reduce dust and heat load on leaves and fruits, thereby improving plant health. These systems are simple to operate, suitable for light soils and uneven fields, and can also be used for applying fertilizers or organic solutions when required. They serve as a supportive irrigation method along with drip systems, ensuring adequate moisture during critical growth stages, reducing plant wilting, and enhancing overall plant survival and productivity under changing climatic conditions. Scientific pruning and proper spacing (Rank V) helped improve canopy management, reduce pest and disease incidence, and enhance yield. The use of suitable packaging materials such as plastic clamshell containers and ventilated trays was found to be an effective post-harvest practice among fig growers. These packaging methods protect fruits from mechanical damage, bruising, and compression during handling and transportation. Proper ventilation within the containers helps reduce moisture buildup and minimizes fungal spoilage. The packaging also helps in maintaining fruit firmness, colour, and quality, thereby extending shelf life and reducing postharvest losses. Compartmentalized structures allow for uniform grading and ease of handling, which improves market presentation. As a result, growers are able to attract better prices and access higher-value markets through improved packaging practices. Commonly recommended packaging materials include corrugated fiberboard boxes with ventilation holes, plastic clamshell containers for fresh figs, and cushioning materials such as paper shreds or trays placed inside boxes to protect the fruits during handling and transportation.

Participation in Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) (Rank X) strengthened collective marketing, improved bargaining power, and facilitated access to resources. FPCs function as collective platforms that aggregate the produce of member farmers, thereby enabling bulk marketing and enhancing economies of scale. This collective approach reduces individual transaction costs related to transportation, grading, and marketing, while also strengthening farmers' bargaining power in price negotiations with traders, wholesalers, and exporters. As a result, farmers are less dependent on local intermediaries and are able to realize comparatively better and more stable prices for their produce.

In addition to market advantages, FPC membership facilitates improved access to critical inputs, credit, technical guidance, and government schemes. Through institutional linkages and coordinated efforts, FPCs provide services such as input procurement at lower cost, dissemination of improved production technologies, and access to extension and advisory support. These services enhance production efficiency and reduce vulnerability to both climatic and market risks. Consequently, participation in FPCs contributes to strengthening the adaptive capacity of farmers by improving income stability, promoting resource-use efficiency, and supporting sustainable agricultural practices under conditions of climate variability. Agrotourism (Rank XVI) was the least adopted strategy, although it provides opportunities for income diversification and knowledge sharing; its lower adoption may be due to limited awareness and infrastructural constraints.

Role of MPKV Scientists and

Conclusion

The study revealed that fig growers in Maharashtra have adopted a combination of agronomic, technological, institutional, and market-oriented adaptation strategies to cope with climate variability. The Garrett ranking analysis indicated that bio-mulching, organic manures, organic plant protection, and efficient irrigation were the most preferred strategies due to their low cost, ease of adoption, and effectiveness in improving resource-use efficiency and crop productivity. In contrast, capital-intensive and knowledge-driven strategies such as protected cultivation, GI-based export, and agrotourism showed relatively lower adoption due to financial, technical, and infrastructural constraints.

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