Constraints in adoption of farming systems on tribal farms in Uttarakhand

Abstract

The main aim of the study was to find out the various factors (technological, institutional and infrastructural) affecting the adoption of existing farming systems on tribal farms. The study was carried out in the tarai region of Uttarakhand. Udham Singh Nagar district of Uttarakhand had been selected to represent the tarai region of the state. Various constraints perceived by the tribal farmers in adopting different farming systems (crop+livestock, crop+livestock+orchard, only crop and only livestock farming systems) were identified. The data were collected through interview schedules from 60 tribal farmers of the study area. It was found that lack of adoption of improved seed and its practices, disease incidence, high cost of farm input, fragmented land, lack of credit facility, poor linkage with extension agencies, lack of input supply at proper time, lack of efficient marketing and lack of knowledge were the major constraints in crop based farming systems. Low availability of quality fodder, low milk yielding breed, lack of suitable animal house, high cost of inputs, inadequate pasture, poor linkage with extension agencies and lack of knowledge are the major constraints operating under all the farming systems except crop farming system. Due to high cost of inputs they didn't use plant protection, chemical, fertilizers, etc. in sufficient quantity in case of crop production and orchard enterprise. Therefore, agricultural extension services should be improved for the tribal farms in the study area to educate the tribal farmers in using new agricultural technology. Input supply system also needs to be improved for supply of agro-inputs at reasonable prices. Improvement in the economic wellbeing of farmers can be made through the adoption of improved breed of livestock.