Constraints in Banana Cultivation as Perceived by Farmers of Theni District, Tamil Nadu, India

Banana (Musa pradisiaca) is widely grown in India and are associated with the historical, economic and social fabric of the Indian subcontinent. In the world, India ranks first in producing the largest number of bananas, with 36,614.04 (000 MT), followed by China. In India, Tamil Nadu ranks third in banana production, estimated at 4,522.62 (000 MT), accounting for 12.35 percent of the total production in this country. The research was conducted in two blocks, Theni and Chinnamanur, selecting one village from each block based on their high banana productivity. A total of 60 farmers were interviewed using a pre-tested and structured schedule. The study employed percentage analysis and Garrett’s ranking to analyze the data. Key constraints identified through percentage analysis include lack of technical guidance (93.3%), non-availability of labor (91.7%), high incidence of pests and diseases (80%), and high labor wages (80%). Garrett’s ranking revealed that, sigatoka leaf spot, high labor costs, labor scarcity, and pest and disease attacks are the top constraints faced by banana growers. Based on these findings, the study suggests prioritizing research in developing pest and disease-resistant banana varieties, enhancing farm mechanization to reduce labor dependency, improving the shelf life of bananas, exploring value addition for increased income, and developing low-cost, environment-friendly storage solutions. Additionally, promoting market-led and farmer-led extension systems can help farmers achieve better remuneration.