Constraints Faced by the Farmers in Production and Marketing of Cauliflower in Haryana, India

Abstract

Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. Botrytis) is one of the most important remunerative vegetable crops grown on commercial scale in India. It is widely grown across India and is a popular vegetable among the people. It is known for its white, tender head or curd, which is used in curries, soups, and for pickling. Cauliflower is a crucial winter vegetable grown in India. A survey was conducted among a group of cauliflower growers to understand the challenges they encounter during cauliflower production and marketing. The objective of the study was to identify the production and marketing constraints faced by the cauliflower growers. Panipat and Sonipat districts were purposively selected due to their significant cauliflower cultivation areas in the state. A total of 200 cauliflower growers were conveniently chosen to gather the necessary data. In Panipat and Sonipat district, the study revealed that the major constraints in cauliflower production included the high cost of cauliflower seeds, expensive fertilizers, labour scarcity during peak periods, and other similar challenges. In terms of cauliflower marketing, respondents reported multiple constraints such as high transportation costs, numerous intermediaries in the marketing process, price fluctuations, lack of awareness about the Bhavantar Bharpayee Yojana (BBY) and its complex procedures, and the higher margins of middlemen. To address these constraints, it is recommended to establish sufficient storage facilities that enable producers to distribute their sales throughout the year. Efforts should be made to ensure the availability of quality seeds and protect producers from experiencing low prices during peak seasons.