Evaluation of Constraints Encountered by Banana Growers in Adopting Water Management Practices using Henry Garrett Ranking Technique

Abstract

Aim: To analyze the constraints endured by banana growers in adopting Water Management Practices. Methodology: Vellore district of North Eastern Zone in Tamil Nadu was purposively selected for the study as it had highest number of revenue blocks under critical groundwater explosion. Two villages from Anaicut block namely Melarasampatti and Vananthanghal were selected for the study. Banana is one of the water intensive crops which has number of water management practices to be followed. Hence banana was selected for the study. Constraints in adopting water management practices was assessed by using Henry Garrett Ranking technique. A total of 80 respondents were selected for the analysis. Results: Poor quality of drippers (71.68), Insufficiency of drippers for the entire field (63.95), Non availability of materials for mulching (63.16), Physical damage to drippers and microtubers while performing intercultural operations (59.39), Clogging of drippers due to salt water (54.93), Lack of knowledge about tissue cultured banana plantlets (50.86) were the major constraints encountered by the farmers. Conclusion: We are in crucial need to extirpate these constraints to improve the adoption of water management practices among banana growers.