Assessment of Socio-Economic Status and Production-Marketing Constraints of Pineapple Farmers: A Cross-District Analysis of Thoubal and Imphal East, Manipur, India

Abstract

Background: In Manipur, pineapple farming is important but yields are low due to traditional methods. Farmers face poor storage, weak markets, high transport costs, and labour shortages, leading to low profits. Aims: To examine the socio-economic status of pineapple farmers and identify the major production and marketing constraints in Thoubal and Imphal East districts of Manipur through a comparative analysis. Study Design: Descriptive and analytical research design based on primary survey data. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Thoubal and Imphal East districts of Manipur, India, during 2024–2025. Methodology: A multistage stratified random sampling technique was used to select 240 pineapple growers from 11 villages across the two districts. Farmers were categorized into marginal, small, and semi-medium groups. Primary data were collected through personal interviews using a structured schedule. Socio-economic variables such as age, education, occupation, and landholding size were analyzed using tabular methods and percentages. Garrett’s Ranking Technique was applied to identify and prioritize production and marketing constraints. Results: Marginal farmers formed the majority in both Thoubal (50.97%) and Imphal East (57.65%) districts. Most farmers belonged to the 31–40 age group and relied on a combination of agriculture and labour for their livelihood. In Thoubal district, transportation (60.65) and high maintenance costs (60.25) were the most significant production constraints. In Imphal East, labour shortage during the peak season (68.76) and high maintenance costs (67.56) were the major challenges. Marketing constraints in both districts were dominated by lack of transportation, high price spread between farmers and consumers, and the perishability of pineapple, which forced farmers into quick and often low-value sales. Conclusion: Pineapple cultivation remains an important source of livelihood but is constrained by labour shortages, inadequate infrastructure, and weak marketing systems. Strengthening transportation, post-harvest facilities, and market linkages is essential to improve farmer income and ensure sustainable development.