Constraints and Suggestions Opined by Grape Export Farmers in Production, Marketing, and Export from Marathwada Region of Maharashtra, India

Abstract

The study investigates the constraints and suggestions related to the establishment, cultivation, marketing, and export of grapes from Marathwada region of Maharashtra as opined by grape growers of different farm sizes (small, medium, and large). Data were collected using well constructed questionnaires and analyzed to identify key challenges and proposed solutions. Across all farm sizes, high cost of inputs emerged as the most severe constraint (100% respondents across all categories). Other major cultivation challenges included heavy rains and winds during flowering, lack of technical guidance, labour shortages with high wages, non-availability of quality grafts, and high pest and disease incidence. In marketing and export, the exploitation by middlemen was the most significant issue (96.66% overall), followed by lack of cold storage, high commission charges, delayed payments, insufficient post-harvest knowledge, lack of processing units, and unavailability of refrigerated vans. Suggestions opined by farmers, To mitigate cultivation constraints, farmers across all groups emphasized that inputs should be provided at lower costs (98.33% overall), along with compensation for climate-related damages, training for pest and disease control, improved nurseries, mechanization, and technical support from experts. Similarly suggestions opined for marketing and export, the most frequent suggestion was that the government should declare grape prices (99.16%), followed by reduction in commission charges, quick sales payments, improved access to refrigerated vans, affordable cold storage, post-harvest training, and development of processing industries.