Growth Trends in Fennel Production and Constraints Faced by the Fennel Growers in Nagaur District of Rajasthan

Abstract

This study used a decomposition analysis model to investigate the trends in area, production and yield of fennel in Nagaur district and Rajasthan state. The constraints faced by the fennel growers in producing and marketing fennel were assessed using the Garret ranking technique. The results revealed that the growth rates in area, production and productivity of fennel were significantly positive for both the Nagaur district and the Rajasthan state. Constraint analysis indicated that lack of knowledge about plant protection chemicals was the principal technical constraint, unavailability of quality seed variety was the main input constraint and fluctuation in the market price of the fennel seed was the primary marketing constraint. It was suggested that future government policy should strengthen crop breeding programs to develop new drought-resistant high-yielding varieties in Rajasthan. The farmers can be encouraged for contract farming and future trading of fennel to counter price fluctuations.