Assessment of Farmers' Preference for Moth Bean Traits and Production Constraints in Villupuram District, Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

Moth bean (Vigna aconitifolia), locally known as Nari Payiru, is an important pulse crop cultivated by resource-poor farmers in Villupuram district, Tamil Nadu, mainly during the winter season. The study assessed farmers' varietal and trait preferences, yield dynamics, production economics, marketing behaviour and major production constraints in the crop. Data were collected from 120 respondents through focus group discussions in the high-production blocks of Vikravandi, Mailam, Vallam and Marakkanam. Yield and cost-related information was validated through front-line demonstrations at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Villupuram, and the data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Garrett's ranking technique. Among the evaluated varieties, TMV 1 was ranked first by farmers, followed by CAZRI Moth bean 6. Farmers prioritised maturity duration, plant habit and drought hardiness as preferred traits. Moth bean cultivation in the study area was characterised by low-input, rainfed management, with average yields of 1,500-1,600 kg/ha, although yields as low as 200 kg/ha were recorded under adverse climatic conditions. At an average cultivation cost of Rs. 46,400/ha and an average sale price of Rs. 80/kg, the gross income was approximately Rs. 1,27,600/ha, with a benefit-cost ratio of 2.75. The major constraints were climate-related yield variability, price fluctuation, yellow mosaic virus, insect damage, seed availability and marketing issues.