A Study on Constraints Faced by Integrated Farming System (IFS) Farmers in Cuddalore District of Tamil Nadu Using Garrett Ranking Technique
M. Jessy Priya
Department of Agricultural Extension, Faculty of Agriculture, Annamalai University, Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu, India.
T. Raj Pravin *
Department of Agricultural Extension, Faculty of Agriculture, Annamalai University, Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu, India and Horticultural Research Station, Pechiparai, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Kanniyakumari District, Tamil Nadu, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Integrated Farming System (IFS) is promoted to enhance livelihood security, farm income and nutritional outcomes among small and marginal farmers. However, today farmers encounter multidimensional constraints that affect the effective functioning of the IFS units. Knowing these constraints will play a vital role in understanding the decision-making ability of farmers for the future prospects and also assist policy makers for further development. The present study was carried among the IFS farmers in Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu prioritizing the major constraints perceived using Garrett ranking technique. A structured interview schedule was administered to 300 IFS farmers selected by random sampling method and the constraints were grouped into five domains mainly health and nutrition, production, marketing, financial and extension. The constraints were ranked based on the severity by the farmers and the ranks were converted into Garrett scores. Mean Garrett scores were calculated and used for prioritization. The results of the study indicated that marketing related constraints were dominant in the overall ranking, with high price fluctuations (65.04), lack of exclusive markets (64.81), and lack of storage facilities (64.70) emerging as top constraints. Among health and nutrition related constraints, lack of awareness regarding nutrition and dietary requirements (64.11) and long distance to the hospital were ranked high. In production constraints, lack of availability of labour at the appropriate time (62.05) ranked first while high cost of production (60.95) ranked high among financial constraints and non-availability of clinical services for livestock (60.52) was ranked top among extension constraints. The findings also indicate that strengthening market linkages, infrastructures for storage, inclusive financial systems alongside clinical services for livestock are critical for improving IFS performance along with targeted nutrition and health awareness interventions among the farming community.
Keywords: Integrated Farming System (IFS), garrett ranking, production, marketing, financial, extension constraints