Identification of Potential Sourcing Areas for Selected Organic Fruits and Vegetables (Mango, Onion and Pomegranate) in Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh, India

Abstract

India is an agricultural country with more than half its population relying on agriculture. The diverse climate and vast potential for fruit and vegetable cultivation in India made it a forerunner in fruit and vegetable production. Excessive pesticide usage and its harmful effects have laid the emphasis on organic agriculture and it has been increasing. India has greater potential for organic cultivation of fruits and vegetables and needs to be exploited by identification of potential sourcing areas for fruits and vegetables. The present study was carried out in Nashik and Solapur districts of Maharashtra and YSR Kadapa and Chittoor districts of Andhra Pradesh state for the identification of sourcing areas for mango, onion, and pomegranate. A total of 150 samples of organic farming FPOs/traders/farmers in the selected districts of Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh were taken. Finally, based on the organic certification and availability of selected crops (onion, mango, pomegranate), 60 respondents were considered for further study. Based on the results, nine FPOs, seven traders and four farmers from the Nashik district of Maharashtra are identified as a potential source of organic onion and two FPOs, two traders and one farmer from the Nashik district and eight FPOs, four traders and three farmers from Andhra Pradesh and finally seven FPOs, four traders and two farmers from Solapur district and three FPOs, two traders and two farmers from Nashik district as potential sources for procurement of selected organic fruits and vegetables.