Identification of Constraints in Cotton Cultivation: A Study of Jamnagar District, India
Parth Vaghasiya *
Post Graduate Institute of Agri-Business Management, Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh-362001, India.
M. M. Nakum
Post Graduate Institute of Agri-Business Management, Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh-362001, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Cotton serves a dual purpose as both a fibre crop for industries and a feed crop for livestock, playing a pivotal role in India's agrarian economy. This study examines the constraints faced by cotton growers in Jamnagar district, Gujarat, one of India's leading cotton-producing region. Primary data were collected from 120 cotton growers respondents of Jamnagar district through a structured questionnaire and analyzed using Garrett ranking to prioritize the constraints encountered by farmers. The findings reveal significant hurdles across production, input supply, economics, and marketing, including timely unavailability of seed, poor seed quality, high labor costs and inadequate storage facilities. These constraints collectively affect the profitability and sustainability of cotton cultivation. Addressing these challenges can achieve sustainable growth, improve farmers’ livelihoods, and enhance market competitiveness.
Keywords: Cotton cultivation, farmers, Garrett ranking, constraints