Constraints Faced by Potato Growers in Chhindwara District of Madhya Pradesh, India

Abstract

Aim: The present study was conducted in Chhindwara district of Madhya Pradesh to identify the major constraints faced by potato growers and to document their suggestions for overcoming these challenges. Study Design: Using an ex-post-facto research design (descriptive approach) Place of Study: The Chhindwara district of Madhya Pradesh is divided into 12 Tehsils, 9 Development Blocks. Chhindwara block was selected due to the highest production of potato compared to other vegetable crops (tomato, okra, and pepper). The Chhindwara block comprises 132 villages, out of which 4 Villages (Chargaon, Jamuniya, Gangai, Dungariya) were selected for the study on the basis of the maximum area under Potato Crop. Methodology: Sample of 105 respondents was selected proportionately from four villages with the largest area under potato cultivation. Data were collected through personal interviews and analyzed using frequency and percentage methods. Results: Findings revealed that lack of scientific training (95.24%) emerged as the most critical constraint, followed by inadequate long-term storage facilities (94.29%), frequent insect-pest attacks (93.33%), and shortage of private cold storage units (92.38%). Other significant issues included unavailability of quality seeds, absence of government storage facilities, reduced productivity due to climate change, and lack of technical guidance. To address these problems, farmers suggested timely availability of improved seed varieties (94.29%) as the foremost solution, along with regular visits by Rural Agricultural Extension Officers (83.81%), establishment of adequate storage facilities (75.24%), timely supply of fertilizers and inputs (68.57%), and provision of proper technical training (65.71%). Conclusion: The study highlights the urgent need for strengthening extension services, improving input delivery mechanisms, and investing in storage infrastructure to enhance production efficiency and reduce post-harvest losses. The insights provide valuable directions for policymakers, extension personnel, and agricultural development agencies to design targeted interventions that promote sustainable and profitable potato cultivation in the region.