The personal socio-economic and psychological characteristics of mango growers in Konkan Region

Introduction

Mango (Mangifera indica L.), belonging to the family Anacardiaceae, is one of the most important and commercially grown fruit crops in India. It is known as the ''National Fruit of India'' and often referred to as the ''King of Fruits'' mango holds a special place in the country's agricultural, cultural, and economic landscape. Mangoes are rich in vitamins, particularly vitamin C, and contain significant levels of dietary fiber and antioxidants, contributing to their popularity worldwide. Mango also has deep cultural and religious significance in India. In the Konkan region of Maharashtra, mango cultivation spans over 1,26,241 hectares, yielding an annual production of 2,19,589 metric tonnes. However, the region's productivity is relatively low at 1.74 tonnes per hectare, which is about three to four times lower than the national average of 9.60 tonnes per hectare. The Konkan region, particularly the southern districts of Ratnagiri and parts of Sindhudurg, Raigad, and Palghar, are renowned for producing highquality Alphonso mangoes. Despite the favorable climate, the region's mango production faces challenges, including declining productivity due to climate change and other factors (Source: Anonymous, 2022) [5] . The Konkan region accounts for approximately 10% of India's total mango cultivation area, with Alphonso mango (locally called 'Hapus') dominating almost 90 per cent of this area. Alphonso mangoes hold a significant share of India's mango exports, contributing over 35 per cent to the total mango export market (Holkar, 2021) [14] . The major objective of the study is to assess the personal socio-economic and psychological characteristics of mango growers in Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg district.

Materials and Methods

The present study was conducted in South Konkan region, it is comprises of the two districts, namely Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg which has been declared as 'Horticulture districts' by the State Government. Area under mango cultivation is also higher in these districts as compared to other districts of Konkan region. So, these two districts were selected for the present study. The Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg district has two distinct zones i.e. coastal belt as well as foothill belt, comprise two tehsils were selected. Four tahsils namely Dapoli and Ratnagiri from Ratnagiri district, Devgad and Vengurle from Sindhudurg district each representing coastal belt. Khed and Mandangad from Ratnagiri district, Vaibhavwadi and Kankavli from Sindhudurg district representing foothill belt. Thus totally eight tahsils and from each belt were selected for the present study. 'Six' villages from each tahsil along with representing belt were randomly selected. Total '48' villages constituted the sample. Five farmers from each village were randomly selected. Total '30' respondents were selected from each tahsils, making a sample of '240' respondents for the present study. The 'ex-post-facto' research design was adopted for the present study. The data were collected through personal interviews by the researcher using the final interview schedule. The primary data on personal socio-economic and psychological variables like Age, area under mango cultivation, mango yield, farming experience, socio-economic status, use of social media, distance from sea shore, social affiliation, risk taking ability, scientific orientation, traditionalism, community infrastructural facilities and attitude of mango growers towards use of climate resilience management practices. The data was collected was analyzed using some statistical tools like frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation (σ).

Results and Discussion

Age

Aging is a natural process that occurs in the life of every human being. It is generally understood that young farmer is energetic, more active and more willing to experiment with frequent changes, while middle age farmer usually stable in sideas as well as behaviour. An old age farmer is often shows resistance to changes and adopts innovations only gradually. The data regarding age of the respondents and they were then grouped into three categories as presented in Table 1 reported that that nearly two-thirds (65.42 per cent) of the respondents belonged to the 'middle' age group, followed by 'old' age (19.17 per cent) and rest 15.42 per cent of the respondents in 'old' age group. The average age of the respondents was 50 years. The probable reason might be that middle-aged mango growers are quite experienced in mango cultivation. This might be due to the realization of profitability and stability in mango cultivation due to adoption of climate resilience management practices. In Konkan area most of young generations are migrated to the cities for the higher education and further available job opportunities might be one of the reasons for higher percentage of 'middle' age category of respondents in the study sample. The results in this respect similar with Singh and Mankar (2007) [37] , Kota (2011) [20] and Maheshkumar (2020) [23] . The dissimilar findings reported of Manjunath (2015) [25] , Abhishek (2017) [1] and Farakte (2017) [11] .

Area under mango cultivation

Area under mango cultivation has been considered as one of the important factors that determine potentiality of mango grower to go for new climate resilience management technology on farm. In fact, size of land holding has important role in maintaining the families and socioeconomic development of the respondents. The data regarding area under mango cultivation of the respondents and they were then grouped into five categories as presented in Table 2 indicated that two-fifths (40.00 per cent) of the respondents had 'small' size area under mango cultivation, remaining nearly three-eighths (37.50 per cent) and less than one fifth (16.67 per cent) of the respondents had 'semimedium' and 'marginal' size area under mango cultivation. Only 05.00 per cent and 00.83 per cent of the respondents having 'medium' and 'big' size area under mango cultivation respectively. It means that the mango growers in the study area tend to have 'small' and 'semi-medium' land holdings compared to regular farmers. Owing to typical geographical situation as well as location of Konkan region, the average size of land holding is comparatively low. However respondents in study area have put a substantial area under mango cultivation, which could be considered as viable proposition. The similar findings are in line with the findings of only Kawale (2011), and dissimilar with the findings of Waghmode (2015) [42] , Kadam et al. (2016) [16] and Holkar (2021) [14] .

Mango yield

It means that actual yield of mango fruits obtained in the previous year in tons per hectare from his/her orchard. Total quantity of mango produced by the mango growers in a year from own orchard and expressed in ton was considered for the sample. The data regarding mango yield of the respondents and they were then grouped into three www.extensionjournal.com categories as presented in Table 3 noted that, nearly half (48.33 per cent) of the respondents had 'medium' mango yield, followed by 34.58 per cent and 17.08 per cent of respondents had 'low' and 'high' mango yield, respectively. The average mango yield of the respondents was 3.23 tons/ha. The findings indicated that majority of the respondents were 'medium' level of mango yield category.

The probable reason for this finding might be that, changing climatic conditions, affect the quality as well as quantity of mango produce. Another reason for low productivity of mango from Konkan region is that the orchards are normally neglected because of most of the owners being absentee land lords. The similar findings are in line with the findings of Sneha Godse (2010) [12] and Holkar (2021) [14] and dissimilar with the findings of Sajeev et al. (2014) [35] , Abhishek (2017) [1] and Dhenge (2018) [10] .

Farming experience

"Experience is the best teacher" according to these pro-verb respondents learn a lot of useful information from our own experience. Farming experience is an important variable for the decision making and adopting climate resilience technologies as well as it helps in better utilization and management of various inputs. Farming experience also helps in developing maturity and the ability to face varied situation which ultimately improve the individual. The data in this regard are presented in Table 4, that more than threefifths (63.75 per cent) of the mango growers were belonged to 'medium' experience category, while 18.33 per cent and 17.91 per cent of the respondents belonged to 'high' and 'low' experience in mango cultivation category, respectively. The average experience in mango cultivation of the respondents was 24 years. The probable reason for the finding might be that, mango was considered as a main traditional fruit crop and it is cultivated generation to generation with this the farming experience could be enhanced by encouraging more of middle aged and young aged respondents in farming activities at the early age. The similar findings are in line with the findings of Manjunath et al. (2019) [24] and Nikita Kadaskar (2022) [17] and dissimilar with the findings of Verma (2017) [41] and Dhenge (2018) [10] .

Socio-economic status

Socio-economic status means that position of an individual or a family occupies with reference to the prevailing average standard of cultural possession, effective income, material possession and participation in group activity of the community. It is the status and position of the respondents in the society. It is thus an important factor in bringing about change in the outlook of a respondent. The data regarding socio-economic status of the respondents and they were then grouped into five categories as presented in The result concluded that most of the mango growers possessing 'middle' level of socio-economic status. The probable reason for the finding might be that mango cultivation in Konkan region is predominantly carried out by 'small' and 'marginal' category of mango growers with limited land holdings, and reliance on agriculture as the primary income source. Mango is a low-input, perennial crop that provides stable but not exceptionally high returns, 'middle to low' level of socio-economic status due to challenges like market fluctuations, middlemen exploitation, pests, and limited access to climate resilience technology.

The similar findings are in line with the findings of Archana Thatikonda (2017) [39] and dissimilar with the findings Swati Mungase (2019) [37] , Alimul Islam et al. (2021) [3] and Gurjar et al. (2023) [13] .

Use of social media

Use of social media means frequency of the use of different social media platforms in day-to-day life in order to get information about agriculture, weather advisories and updates regarding upcoming weather forecasts. Social media tools are online systems of websites whose main objectives include interacting, socializing, maintaining relationships and accessing proper information. Social media plays crucial role for dissemination of new technology to the www.extensionjournal.com farmers. The data regarding use of social media of the respondents and they were then grouped into three categories as presented in The similar findings are in line with the findings of Datir et al. (2023) [9] and Tejashree Dahiphale (2023) [8] and dissimilar with the findings of only Sheikh et al. (2023) [36] .

Distance from sea shore

It is refers to the actual geographic distance of mango orchards from the Arabian seashore was taken consideration. It was measured in terms of Kilometers (Km). The data regarding distance from sea shore of the respondents and they were then grouped into three categories as presented in Table 7 shown that the nearly three-fifths (58.75 per cent) of mango orchards were found to be 'medium to long (4 to 54 Km) distance from seashore, followed by 22.92 per cent and 18.33 per cent of the mango orchards were established on 'long' and 'near' distance from sea shore, respectively. The result mentioned that the rocky type of soil is generally found on west belt of the Konkan and it found from 'near to medium' long distance from coastal area. The probable reason for the finding might be that west belt of minimum 4 to maximum 50 Km away from seashore provides conducive environment for mango. Therefore, most of the respondents had established their mango orchards in the west belt of the Konkan rather than some of the east part-near to the Sahyadri ranges. The similar findings are in line with the findings of Jadhav (2021) [15] and dissimilar with the findings of Murthy (2019) [28] , Kabir et al. (2020) and Raghuwanshi et al. (2022) [33] .

Social affiliation

It is defined as extent of a respondents desire to feel a sense of belonging or involvement with in a social group. It is the extent to which a respondent is connected with other people or organizations to influence or to overcome the stressful situations. The data regarding social affiliation of the respondents and they were then grouped into three categories as presented in Table 8 observed that more than two-thirds (67.50 per cent) of the respondents had 'medium' level of social affiliation, followed by 16.67 per cent and 15.83 per cent of respondents had 'high' and 'low' level of social affiliation, respectively. The results indicated that, majority of the respondents were having medium level of social affiliation. The probable reason for the finding might be that due to limited land holding the most of respondents must be maintaining distance from others and scrupulously focusing on operational aspects of the own business and aims at increasing the production and profits. This perhaps resulted in medium followed high social affiliation among the some number of respondents. The similar findings are in line with the findings of Swetha Muddam (2013) [26] and Archana Thatikonda (2017) [39] and dissimilar with the findings of Amanda Baby (2021) [4] , Lankati (2021) [22] and Yuvaraj and Sailaja (2023) [45] .

Risk taking ability

It is defined as the degree to which the respondent is oriented towards taking risk and facing uncertainty in farming. The data regarding risk taking ability of the respondents and they were then grouped into three categories as presented in Table 9 indicated that less than three-fifths (58.33 per cent) of the respondents had 'medium' level of risk taking ability, followed by 29.17 per cent and 12.50 per cent of the respondents had 'low' and 'high' level of risk taking ability respectively. The results mentioned that, most of the respondents were having medium level of risk taking ability. The probable reason for the finding might be that, risk taking ability of the respondents was satisfactory. The size of mango orchard coupled with satisfactory educational level, might have favorably changed the attitude of respondents towards new ideas, which involve somewhat risk. The similar findings are in line with the findings of only Chaudhari (2014) [7] and dissimilar with the findings of Waghmode (2015) [42] and Pabba et al. (2021) [30] .

Scientific Orientation

The process of adoption of climate resilience mango production technology requires firm decision by an individual respondent. It is a degree to which individual is oriented to the use of scientific methods in decision making in relation to adoption behaviour plays an important role. It is a main psychological factor in decision making process of the respondents. The data regarding scientific orientation of the respondents and they were then grouped into three categories as presented in Table 10 shown that majority (64.17 per cent) of the respondents were in the 'medium' scientific orientation category, while 21.25 per cent and 14.58 per cent of the respondents were in 'low' and 'high' scientific orientation category respectively. The results are indicating that majority of the mango growers had 'medium' level of scientific orientation. In other words it can be said that farmers with medium level of positivism towards the use of new and scientifically proven highly production-oriented technology were more involved in the adoption of mango climate resilience technology. The similar findings are in line with the findings of Manjunath (2015) [25] , Abhishek (2017) [1] , and Ranoliya et al. (2022) [34] and dissimilar with the findings of Panda (2017) [31] and Raghuvanshi (2018) [32] .

Traditionalism

It is defined as the extent of agreement about relationship that is believed to exist between the cultural beliefs, religious practices and farming. The data regarding traditionalism of the respondents and they were then grouped into three categories as presented in Table 11 mentioned that four-nineths (44.58 per cent) of the respondents had 'medium' level of traditionalism, followed by 34.58 per cent and 20.83 per cent of the respondents had 'high' and 'low' level of traditionalism respectively. The result shows that most of the respondents followed 'medium' level of traditionalism. The probable reason for the finding might be that, most of the respondents belonged to middle aged category (39 to 62 years) having more beliefs towards their culture, traditions, rituals and religion. They believe that being in this position is due to the blessings of the god showered on them and are more superstitious in nature. Hence majority of the respondents are with 'high' followed by 'low' level of traditionalism.

The similar findings are in line with the findings of Swathi (2012) [38] and dissimilar with the findings of Archana Thatikonda (2017) [39] , Nikitha (2017) [29] and Vasanthapriya (2020) [40] .

Community infrastructural facilities

Community infrastructural facilities were measured in terms infrastructure possessed by the community members. Community infrastructural facilities encompass availability of services related to transport, finance, education, health and communication. Though, the community infrastructural facilities available in the village were common to all residing households in the village, but ease of access varies among the respondents. The data regarding community infrastructural facilities of the respondents and they were then grouped into three categories as presented in Table 12 noted that more than half (57.08 per cent) of the respondents had 'medium' level of community infrastructural facilities followed by 22.50 per cent and 20.42 per cent of the respondents had 'high' and 'low' level of community infrastructural facilities respectively. The result shows that most of the respondents were having medium level of community infrastructural facilities. The probable reason for the finding might be that, in coastal area proper availability of services related to transport, finance, education, health and communication but in case of hilly area poor and non-availability of all weather road, mobile network issue and poor electricity supply are problems faced by the respondents. The similar findings are in line with the findings of Koshti (2013) [19] and Singh (2017) [37] www.extensionjournal.com and dissimilar with the findings of Yadav (2018) [43] and Kanwal (2019) [18] .

Attitude of mango growers towards use of climate resilience management practices

It is refers to the degree of positive or negative feeling of mango growers towards climate resilience management practices. Attitude is the positive and negative feeling associated with a psychological object. The data regarding attitude of mango growers towards use of climate resilience management practices of the respondents and they were then grouped into three categories as presented in Table 13 indicated that nearly three-fifths (59.58 per cent) of the respondents had 'moderately favourable' attitude of mango growers towards use of climate resilience management practices, followed by 23.33 per cent of the respondents with 'highly favourable' and only 17.08 per cent per cent had 'less favourable' attitude of mango growers towards use of climate resilience management practices. It evident from above data sample mentioned that, maximum number of the mango growers had 'medium' level of attitude of mango growers towards use of climate resilience management practices. This might be due to the majority of the respondents had middle aged group category. So, they think positively more as compare to negative thinking. Another reason might be the 'medium to high' level of farming experience of mango growers, affected the attitudes of mango growers towards the use of climate resilience management practices. The similar findings are in line with the findings of Alagu and Bose (2019) [3] and Kumar (2021) [21] and dissimilar with the findings of Yeragorla and Naberia (2021) [44] and Boda (2022) [6] .

Conclusion

The study on mango growers in south Konkan region revealed that out of total mango growers majority of the respondents belonged to the 'middle' age group, with 'small' size area under mango cultivation and 'medium' level of mango yield. Majority of the respondents had 'medium' level of farming experience with 'middle' level of socio-economic status. Nearly half of the respondents had 'medium' use of social media. Most of mango orchards were found to be 'medium to long' distance from seashore. More than two-thirds of the respondents had 'medium' level of social affiliation. More than half of the respondents had 'medium' level of risk taking ability and 'medium' scientific orientation category. Nearly half of the respondents had 'medium' level of traditionalism. Most of the respondents had possessed 'medium' level of community infrastructural facilities (57.08 per cent) and three-fifths per cent of the respondents had 'moderately favourable' attitude of mango growers towards use of climate resilience management practices. The study has brought to light the personal socio-economic and psychological characteristics of mango growers involved in production of Alphonso mango production. On the basis of these, it would be possible for extension students, officers and other agencies to improve the profile of respective categories. Further, they may consider these all characteristics while planning and executing programs for the development of climate resilient production of Alphonso mangoes in the Konkan region.

References

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