Constraints in Production and Marketing of Redgram in Gulbarga District of Karnataka

Redgram in an important crop in the farm economy, occupying about 25 per cent of total cropped area in Gulbarga district of Karnataka state. In view of the dominance of the redgram crop in the farm economy of the district, it was important to study the issues relating to production and marketing of this crop in the district, although the production of redgram in the country and Karnataka in general and Gulbarga district in particular has increased over the years. The study was conducted in Gulbarga district of Karnataka state of India to find out the constraints in raising productivity and marketing of red gram by the farmers. Primary data was collected through survey method from the various categories of farmers. The results indicated that high incidence of pest and diseases (rank I), followed by inadequate availability of labour (rank II) in red gram cultivation were the major problems expressed by farmers in raising red gram productivity. High cost of pesticide, inadequate availability of fertilizers and quality seeds, low output price during post harvest period, high output price fluctuation, damage due to natural calamitiesand non-availability of quality pesticides were the common constraints faced by the farmers. With respect to constraints related to marketing of the produce, the results revealed that inadequate transportation facility, high market fees and charges, high transportation cost, lack of storage facilities were ranked I, II, III, and IV respectively as the important constraints faced by the farmers. Based on the study, it would be recommended to take various measures to control pests and diseases like forecasting pest and disease incidence, making proper facilities for cost effective and efficient plant protection measures and promoting integrated pest management method in the study area. It is also necessary to build appropriate infrastructure facilities to overcome transportation facilities and other market related aspects.