Major Constraints in Mango Cultivation in Malda District of West Bengal, India: Evidence from Climatic Determinants and Farmers’ Perceptions

Abstract

Mango cultivation plays an important role in the economy of Malda district, West Bengal. Despite increase in area under mango, yield and income have not increased due to climatic, technological, input, financial, marketing and social constraints. This study examines these constraints using secondary data (2008-2021) and a field survey of 1353 growers from eight blocks. Rainfall was weakly negatively correlated with production (R² = 0.046) and temperature was almost uncorrelated (R² = 3.29x10-7). A weak positive association for thunderstorm days (R² = 0.0176) and the very small contributions of squalls and hailstorms were observed. Hence, climate alone cannot explain year-wise changes in production. The most significant technological constraints were the lack of knowledge regarding drip irrigation scheduling (87.84%), plant protection (85.64%), and enhanced high-yielding varieties (85.00%). The main marketing constraint was short shelf life (92.92%). The major financial constraint was high labour cost (79.16%). The primary input issue was the absence of water-soluble fertilizers, plant protection chemicals, and growth regulators at government sale centres (80.73%). The major socio-psychological constraint was poor coordination among horticulture departments (88.98%). In order to fortify Malda's mango economy, institutional coordination, market reforms, better extension, input supply, post-harvest facilities, and access to credit are required.