CONSTRAINTS OF FCV TOBACCO GROWERS FOR ALTERNATIVE CROPS IN NORTHERN LIGHT SOILS OF ANDHRA PRADESH

Abstract

The FCV tobacco is grown in Northern Light Soil (NLS) region (East Godavari, West Godavari and Khammam districts). The tobacco grown in NLS region is of semi flavourful to flavourful types, which has got international market demand to Europe and UK. The enterprising farmers of the region are not leaving the tobacco crop due to many reasons. In this backdrop, there is a need felt to identify the constraints faced by the farmers in the production of FCV tobacco. A total of 500 farmers were selected equally from both progressive and non progressive villages from NLS area on stratified random sampling procedure. A list of constraints in farming were prepared and categorized into personal constraints, socio-economic constraints, technical constraints, soil and climate constraints and organizational constraints. Data was collected by interviewing and focused group method and by obtaining information through a pre-tested schedule. The results indicated that some of the constraints viz., high cost of inputs, untimely supply of credit, low net returns, less availability of labour, poor farm mechanization, inefficient use of resources forced the farmers to continue to cultivate the crop. Lack of assured income in other crops, non-availability and inadequate supply of critical inputs, lack of proper technical and extension guidance, high pest and disease incidence in other crops were the main constraints coming in way to adopt suitable alternative crops. The study concludes that the tobacco crop acts as a ready reckoner for the farmer in case of bank loans, inputs and other beneficial factors motivating the farmers to continue the crop. The study also suggests Government to implement agricultural policies and to provide sufficient economic support for the farmers to achieve the outcome of nation’s economy.