Extent of the Constraints Faced by the Smallholder Farmer in Thrissur District, Kerala

Abstract

Aims: The present study aims to systematically identify, prioritize, and analyze the major constraints faced by smallholder farmers in Thrissur District, Kerala. It seeks to assess the relative importance of production, economic, technological, environmental, and institutional barriers that limit the efficiency and sustainability of homestead farming. Study Design:  A descriptive survey research design was adopted to assess and rank the key constraints perceived by homestead farmers using Garrett’s Ranking Technique. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Thrissur District, Kerala, covering three Agro-Ecological Units—Chavakkad block (AEU 2), Puzhakkal block (AEU 6), and Ollukkara block (AEU 10). The selected panchayaths were Vadakkekad, Kaiparambu, and Pananchery, and the survey was carried out during the year 2024. Methodology: The study was conducted in Thrissur District, Kerala 10°55′N latitude and 76°22′E longitude. A total of 120 homestead farmers were selected through a random sampling technique, ensuring proportional representation from the three panchayaths. The sample size was determined considering population heterogeneity and resource constraints, following the standard social science sampling framework. Data were collected using a semi-structured interview schedule and direct observation. Data were coded and analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2021 and SPSS version 25.0, applying descriptive statistics and Garrett’s Ranking Technique to prioritize constraints. Eight categories of constraints—financial, market, land, labour, knowledge and adoption, technological and infrastructural, environmental, and institutional access—were analyzed using Garrett’s Ranking Technique by converting rank orders into percent positions and mean scores. Results: Land constraints emerged as the most critical (mean score 65.94), reflecting the challenges of fragmented and limited landholdings. Lack of family interest ranked second (63.94), indicating reduced youth participation in farming. Environmental problems such as pest incidence, erratic rainfall, and declining soil fertility ranked third (61.10). Financial limitations (36.50) and inadequate technology or infrastructure (34.31) were moderately severe, while gaps in knowledge and adoption (33.87), weak institutional access (32.47), and market constraints (31.63) were comparatively less significant. The findings suggest that production-related challenges outweigh marketing barriers in determining the sustainability of homestead farming. Conclusion: The study concludes that homestead farming in Thrissur District is primarily constrained by land scarcity, declining family participation, and environmental stresses. Enhancing land-use efficiency, promoting youth involvement, and improving access to technology and institutional support are critical to strengthening the economic and ecological sustainability of homestead farming.