Navigating challenges and solutions: Insights into improved turmeric cultivation practices in Karnataka

Belagavi district in Karnataka, India, is a significant region for turmeric cultivation, spanning approximately 5,193 hectares and producing around 32,573 tons of turmeric annually. Despite these impressive figures, several challenges hinder the adoption of improved cultivation practices, resulting in a notable yield gap. This study aimed to identify and address the constraints to enhance productivity and profitability in turmeric farming. The research surveyed 120 turmeric growers using a descriptive and ex-post facto design, employing structured interviews and questionnaires to gather qualitative and quantitative data. Key constraints identified include labour scarcity and high wages (96.67%), high input costs (94.17%), non-availability of quality inputs (87.50%), and pest and disease pressures (87.50%). Financial barriers such as limited credit access (67.50%) and high interest rates (44.17%) also posed significant challenges, along with market constraints like high commission charges (89.17%) and limited market access (80.83%). To overcome these challenges, farmers suggested improving access to mechanization (94.17%), incentivizing rural employment (77.50%), and labour training programs (47.50%). For input constraints, All the respondents advocated for subsidized input supply, 93.33 per cent for local bio-fertilizer production, and 75.83 per cent for input quality control. In pest and disease management, regular monitoring and IPM training were recommended by 75.83 per cent and 77.50 per cent of farmers, respectively, while cent per cent called for subsidized eco-friendly pesticides. Financial constraints can be alleviated by affordable credit facilities (72.50%) and microfinance models (75.83%). Market improvements include developing local infrastructure (80.83%) and implementing MSP (94.17%). Water and irrigation challenges can be addressed through improved systems (77.50%) and subsidized equipment (80.83%). Training programs (96.67%), modern technologies promotion (65.83%), and streamlined government policies (80.00%) were the key suggestions.