Constraints in production to consumption chain of mango (Mangifera indica L.) in Malihabad, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh

Abstract

A study was undertaken during 2009 on 50 mango farmers randomly selected from different categories in Malihabad belt of Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) to identify and document the constraints of production to consumption of mango. The findings indicated that training/pruning in mango orchards is a rare phenomenon in mango. Twenty eight per cent farmers do not apply any kind of manure and fertilizers in their orchards, while 32% apply mixture of di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) and farmyard manure (FYM). Problem of irregular bearing in mango is common in all the orchards. As regards problem of insect pest in mango, mealy bug was rated as the most damaging insect by 40% farmers, followed by mango hopper rated by 30% farmers. Powdery mildew is the most common disease in mango orchards felt by 88%. Forty eight per cent farmers are not using any insecticides. Imidacloprid is the most common insecticide used by farmers for managing mango hoppers. Fifty two per cent farmers do not use any fungicides, while 48% farmers use either sulphur fungicide or cardendazim. Eighty per cent farmers use to harvest their crop at optimum maturity, while 20% harvest their crop before proper fruit maturity to catch early markets. Forty per cent farmers harvest their mango crop manually by hand or by shaking branches or using stick. Farmers are not aware of use of ethylene or ethrel for ripening of mango fruits. Forty four percent farmers are still using calcium carbide, a banned chemical for induction of fruit ripening in mango. Farmers are also not following any scientific post harvest practices of pre-cooling, sorting and grading after harvest of fruits. Mode of transport for 52% of the farmers was tractor trailer for the local market, while it was truck for remaining 48% farmers for distant transport. There were 72% farmers who do not involve any middlemen for sale of their produce. Value addition of the produce is negligible in the area. Average productivity of 4-5t ha−1 was recordedby 30% farmers and that of 3-4t ha−1 by 24% farmers. Sixteenper cent farmers earned net income of 1.5–1.75 lakh ha-1, while 22% farmers earned 0.50–0.75 lakh ha-1. Twenty two per cent farmers earned less than 0.25 lakh ha−1. Thus, various constraints in production to consumption chain of mango were recorded in the study and overcoming these constraints will lead to enhanced mango productivity and livelihood security.