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ARTICLE
UNEARTHING THE LIVES: SOCIO-ECONOMIC REALITIES AND DAILY STRUGGLES OF BANANA CULTIVATORS IN THENI DISTRICT, TAMIL NADU, INDIA
Issue Vol. 1 No. 01 (2024): Volume 01 Issue 01 --- Section Articles --- Published Date: 2024-12-30
Abstract
This study delves into the heart of Theni District, Tamil Nadu, to understand the lives and livelihoods of its dedicated banana growers. Through a carefully planned survey involving 120 farmers, we gathered firsthand insights into their socio-economic standing and the myriad obstacles they face. Our findings paint a vivid picture: the average grower is around 48 years old, carries 20 years of farming wisdom, and cultivates about 2.5 acres of land. While their annual income from bananas averages INR 1,80,000, many grapple with limited engagement in formal farmer groups (only 30% participation). We meticulously categorized their challenges into production, marketing, financial, and technical areas, assessing their severity using a simple three-point scale to create a "Constraint Index." The most pressing issues that weigh heavily on these farmers' minds are the relentless onslaught of pests and diseases (Constraint Index: 0.85), the unpredictable rollercoaster of market prices (0.82), the ever-rising cost of essential farming supplies (0.78), the struggle to secure timely and adequate loans (0.75), and a yearning for more scientific know-how and practical guidance (0.70). This research strongly suggests that for banana cultivation to truly flourish and for these farmers to thrive, we need targeted, empathetic support. This includes ensuring they have access to quality inputs, stable markets, affordable credit, and hands-on extension services. Our hope is that these insights pave the way for a more sustainable and prosperous future for the banana-growing communities of Theni.
Keywords
References
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