Constraints Experienced by the Farmers in Respect of Gaining Knowledge and Adopting the Organic Farming Practices

Abstract

The challenges faced by farmers in Chitrakoot district, Uttar Pradesh, in adopting organic farming practices. Conducted across five blocks and 25 villages, data was collected from 250 randomly selected farmers using a descriptive research design to capture the current state of organic farming and the barriers to its adoption. The findings indicate that the most significant constraints hindering farmers from adopting organic practices include insufficient premium prices for organic produce (55.6%), lack of awareness (50.4%) and inadequate technical guidance (50.0%). Other notable challenges reported were small land holding, high input costs and limited market channels for organic products. The study suggests several measures to overcome these constraints, such as increasing awareness programs about organic farming benefits, providing financial support through low-interest loans and implementing government initiatives to directly purchase organic produce for programs like the Midday Meal Scheme. Additionally, establishing minimum support prices for organic products and enhancing access to organic inputs are recommended to improve the adoption rates of organic farming practices in the region. These insights are crucial for guiding policymakers and stakeholders in designing targeted interventions that promote organic farming, thereby improving agricultural sustainability and farmers' livelihoods. The findings also underscore the need for a holistic approach that addresses both market and non-market barriers to facilitate a transition towards more sustainable agricultural practices in Chitrakoot district.