Prospects of mandarin cultivation for rural livelihood improvement in South-Eastern Rajasthan

Introduction

Agriculture sector contributes significantly to national income, employment generation, food security and poverty alleviation (FAO, 2021) [2] . Horticulture plays a vital role in enhancing agricultural diversification, income generation and employment opportunities in rural areas. Among fruit crops, citrus occupies a prominent position due to its high nutritional value, market demand and export potential. Mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco) is one of the most important citrus fruits cultivated in India and contributes significantly to the horticultural economy of several states. The fruit is rich in vitamin C, antioxidants and essential minerals, making it highly valued by consumers as well as the processing industry. Mandarin crop is generally grown as a perennial orchard system requiring long-term investment and scientific management for sustainable productivity. In Rajasthan, mandarin is cultivated over an area of 26.57 thousand hectares, producing 289.63 thousand metric tonnes with a productivity of 10.90 MT per hectare (Anonymous, 2023-24). Rajasthan's Jhalawar district is distinguished for producing high-quality mandarin, often likened to "Chhota Nagpur" for its colour, taste, and juice quality. In Rajasthan, mandarin cultivation has emerged as a promising enterprise, particularly in the south-eastern region comprising districts such as Jhalawar and Bhilwara. Favorable agro-climatic conditions, availability of suitable soils and increasing market demand have encouraged farmers to adopt mandarin cultivation as a profitable alternative to traditional crops. The perennial nature of mandarin orchards provides a regular source of income, generates year-round employment and contributes to the economic stability of farming households. Rural livelihood improvement has become a major development objective in India, where a large proportion of the population depends on agriculture and allied sectors for sustenance. Fruit cultivation, especially high-value horticultural crops such as mandarin, has the potential to enhance farm income, create employment opportunities, strengthen market participation and improve the overall socio-economic status of rural communities. In addition, the scope for value addition, processing and export further increases the economic prospects of mandarin cultivation. Despite its growing importance, mandarin cultivation faces several challenges related to quality planting material, pest www.extensionjournal.com and disease management, marketing infrastructure, value chain development and extension support services. Understanding farmers' perceptions regarding the future prospects of mandarin cultivation is essential for formulating appropriate policies and interventions aimed at promoting sustainable horticultural development. Keeping these facts in view, the present study was undertaken to assess the prospects of mandarin cultivation as perceived by growers in South-Eastern Rajasthan and to examine its potential contribution towards rural livelihood improvement. The findings of the study are expected to provide valuable insights for researchers, extension agencies, policymakers and development organizations working in the horticulture sector.

Materials and Methods

Ex-post-facto research design was used in the study. The present investigation was carried out in south-eastern Rajasthan. In This area, two universities are working i.e., MPUAT, Udaipur and AU, Kota. The study has been conducted in the MPUAT Udaipur and AU Kota service areas. Jhalawar and Bhilwara districts of this area have been selected on the basis of the maximum area of mandarin cultivation. Bhilwara district comprises 16 tehsils, out of which Mandalgarh has been selected on the basis of maximum area and mandarin growers. Similarly, Jhalawar district comprises 12 tehsils, among which Pachpahar has been selected on the basis of the same criteria. Jojwa, Bigod and kalyanpura gram panchayat were selected from Mandalgarh tehsil of Bhilwara district having maximum number of mandarin growers and Mishroli, Guradiyajoga and Silehgarh gram panchayat were selected from Pachpahar tehsil of Jhalawar district based on same criteria. Thus, total six-gram panchayat selected from two identified tehsils. A list of all mandarin growers from selected gram panchayats was prepared for selection of mandarin growers with the help of agriculture supervisors and assistant agriculture officers. From the prepared list, proportionate number of mandarin growers were selected randomly from each of the selected gram panchayats. Thus, a total of 240 mandarin growers were selected from Jhalawar and Bhilwara districts for the present investigation. Face to face interview technique was used to collect data from the selected mandarin growers. Thereafter, appropriate statistical measures were used to arrive at specific conclusions. The statistical measures used where mean percent score were used.

Total obtained score is divided by total obtainable score and then resulted score multiply by 100 to calculate mean per cent score.

Results and Discussion

In the present context, the prospects perceived by the farmers about mandarin production were identified and have been presented in the subsequent tables.

Importance of quality planting material realised by mandarin growers

Here, Table 1 indicates that mandarin growers wanted to grow organic products and they wanted to have disease and insect free good quality planting material. Marketing of mandarin related outlook of mandarin growers: Here, Table 2 indicates that marketing related areas of improvement suggested by mandarin growers are given with their mean per cent score and rank. Overall, the study concludes that mandarin growers have a favorable outlook towards the marketing prospects, particularly in terms of price enhancement, processing opportunities and improved market systems. However, concerns regarding price instability and limited expectations from corporate sector participation still persist, which need to be addressed through policy support, market reforms and institutional strengthening.

Export potential of mandarin

Here, Table 3 indicates that export potential of mandarin related prospects perceived by mandarin growers are were given with their mean per cent score and rank.

Extension services related prospects perceived by mandarin growers

Here, Table 4 indicates that extension services related prospects perceived by mandarin growers are were given with their mean per cent score and rank. www.extensionjournal.com Overall, the study concludes that mandarin growers have high expectations from extension services, particularly in terms of institutional support, incentives and improved coordination between different agencies. Strengthening these aspects can significantly contribute to the development and sustainability of mandarin cultivation in the study area.

Socio-economic development related prospects perceived by mandarin growers

Here, Table 5 indicates that socio-economic development related prospects perceived by mandarin growers are given with their mean per cent score and rank.

Aspect wise prospects of mandarin growers

To get an overview about aspect prospects perceived by the mandarin growers in mandarin production technology, the overall score for each category was pooled and results have been presented in Table 6. The aspect "Export potential of mandarin" obtained an MPS of 84.83 and ranked third, indicating that growers perceived good opportunities for export and market expansion of mandarin fruits. Similarly, "Marketing of mandarin related outlook of mandarin growers" secured an MPS of 84.75 and ranked fourth, showing positive perceptions towards marketing opportunities and market-oriented production practices. Lastly farmers suggested that "Socio-economic development related prospects" assigned last and fifth position with overall MPS 84.31; however, the score still indicates a favourable perception among growers regarding the contribution of mandarin cultivation towards improving their socio-economic status. Overall, the results show that mandarin growers had optimistic prospects towards mandarin production technology, particularly in relation to extension support services and the use of quality planting material.

Conclusion

The study concludes that mandarin cultivation offers considerable opportunities for improving the livelihoods of rural farming communities in South-Eastern Rajasthan. Growers expressed strong confidence in the potential of improved planting materials, effective extension services, better marketing systems, export opportunities, and technological interventions for enhancing productivity and profitability. Extension services emerged as the most important prospect area, highlighting the need for stronger institutional support, training, and coordination among government agencies, financial institutions and extension organizations. The findings further indicate that regulated markets, value addition, and export-oriented infrastructure can significantly improve farmers' income and market competitiveness. Overall, mandarin cultivation has the potential to serve as an effective pathway for socioeconomic development, employment generation and sustainable agricultural growth in the region. Therefore, focused policy interventions, strengthened researchextension linkages and investments in quality planting material, marketing infrastructure and export facilitation are essential for realizing the full potential of mandarin cultivation in south-eastern Rajasthan.

References

1. Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. Horticultural Statistics at a Glance 2024. New Delhi: Horticulture Statistics Unit, Economics, Statistics and Evaluation Division, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India; 2024.
2. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. The State of Food and Agriculture 2021. Rome: FAO; 2021.
3. Sharma RK, Meena BL, Singh V. Prospects of mandarin (Citrus reticulata) cultivation for rural livelihood improvement in semi-arid regions of Rajasthan. Indian J Hortic Sci. 2023;80(2):145-152.
4. Joshi P, Verma SK, Dangi JC. Citrus-based farming systems and their impact on income generation in South-Eastern Rajasthan. J Agr Rural Dev. 2022;19(4):201-208.
5. Rathore RS, Bairathi R, Sisodia SS. Role of mandarin cultivation in enhancing livelihood security among smallholder farmers in Rajasthan. Agric Econ Res Rev. 2024;37(1):55-63.