Constraints analysis of mint plant (Mentha spp.) growers in central Avadh region (Barabanki) of Uttar Pradesh

Abstract

India is the largest cultivator of mint plant and market leader in mentha oil production. Uttar Pradesh occupies major area under mint cultivation as well as highest mentha oil producer among all the states of India. Present study was conducted in central avadh region, under this region Barabanki district accounts 90-95 per cent area under mentha cultivation and mentha oil production. Research study is fully based on primary data which was collected with the help of well-organized structured schedule for the agricultural year. Major constraints related with mint production faced by mint growers were unstable yield of mentha, lower productivity of mentha, high cost of mentha roots/suckers, less supply of farm yard manure, high labor cost, labour scarcity during peak time, high cost of fertilizer, high incidence of disease, distance from input supply center, poor quality of irrigation water, inadequate credit supply, less supply of recommended pesticide, high cost of growth regulators, erratic electricity supply. Marketing related constraints were frequent price fluctuation, collusion among traders/trade and malpractices, lack of MSP/government procurement, non-availability of storage facility, lack of market infrastructure, lack of availability of market information, lack of awareness of direct marketing practices, lack of information about government schemes and subsidies, quality deterioration during storage, poor road network for transportation, delay in sale and payment, distance from market, high transportation cost. Problems faced by farmers related to processing infrastructure were lack of technology related to distillation unit, lack of testing facility of menthol content in oil, lack of training related to package of practices, lack of regulated market, high costing in distillation machine, cost related to processing incurred by farmer, lack of small processing units. Existing constraints related to trade and export policy faced by farmers were illegal trade practices, unauthorized traders, unaware about export market, government subsidies.