Chapter - VI - Shodhganga : a reservoir of Indian theses...
Transcript of Chapter - VI - Shodhganga : a reservoir of Indian theses...
CHAPTER – VI
PROBLEMS FACED IN BANANA CULTIVATION AND
MARKETING IN KANYAKUMARI DISTRICT
6.1 General
Cultivation of banana and its production assumes critical importance now-
a-days due to the increase in population and rise in the level of income of the
people and consequent changes in the pattern of consumption. Banana plays a
unique role in developing countries like India both in economic and social sphere
for improving income and nutritional status particularly of rural masses.
Several problems are associated with the cultivation and marketing of
banana. These problems affect the production of banana as well as the
profitability of banana cultivation. Though their effects are not uniformly the
same, all these problems are of considerable concern. They are discussed in this
chapter in detail.
This chapter consists of two sections A and B. Section A covers the profile
of banana cultivators, factors limiting banana production, the problems faced by
the farmers in cultivation and marketing of banana and identification of reasons
for the alternative cultivation of paddy and banana. Section B covers banana
traders views, the profile of banana traders and the problems of banana traders in
marketing.
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SECTION - A
6.2 Profile of Respondents Banana Cultivators
The study of banana production in economic sense needs the analysis of the
social status of the cultivators who are engaged in banana cultivation. The
primary data was collected from the banana cultivators in Kalkulam taluk. Hence
in this section, a study of the social status of the cultivators who are engaged in
banana cultivation is made.
6.2.1 Distribution of Sample Respondents by Age
Age is the determining factor of working capacity. A family which
constitutes more number of children and old people will suffer since their earning
capacity is low. On the contrary, a family will be better off if it contains more
working people. The following table depicts the different age group of the
respondents.
TABLE: 6.1
DISTRIBUTION OF SAMPLE RESPONDENTS BY AGE
Age
(in years)
Category of Farmers
Total
Respondents Small
Farmers
Marginal
Farmers
25 - 45
19
(51.35)
196
(48.40)
215
(48.64)
45 – 65
18
(48.65)
209
(51.60)
227
(51.36)
Total 37
(100.00)
405
(100.00)
442
(100.00)
Source: Field Survey
Note: Figures in parentheses indicate the percentage to total
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The above table reveals that the respondents who are below 45 years are
215 respondents and above 45 years are 227 respondents. Majority of the
respondents are in the age group between 45-65 years, which is working group.
There are 215 respondents belonging to the age group of 25-45 years,
distributed as 196 from marginal farmers and 19 from small farmers. There are
227 respondents belonging to the age group of 45-65 years, distributed as 209
from marginal farmers and 18 from small farmers group.
6.2.2 Distribution of Sample Respondents by Educational Status
Education is the basic necessity for social awareness. Education brings a
better society. Lack of education prevents social enlightment. The educational
status of the sample respondents are depicted in Table 6.2.
From the table 6.2, it is clear that 100 per cent of the respondents are
literates. Out of them 42.31 per cent of the respondents have completed the +2
level, 22.62 per cent of the respondents had completed the primary level education
and only 8.14 per cent of the respondents have completed the degree level
education. From this educational status, the researcher has found that majority of
the sample households have completed the higher secondary level education.
Majority of the small farmers and marginal farmers have completed the higher
secondary level education.
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TABLE: 6.2
DISTRIBUTION OF SAMPLE RESPONDENTS BY
EDUCATIONAL STATUS
Education
Category of Farmers
Total
Respondents Small
Farmers
Marginal
Farmers
Primary 4
(10.81)
96
(23.70)
100
(22.62)
Secondary 10
(27.03)
109
(26.91)
119
(26.92)
Higher Secondary 13
(35.14)
174
(42.96)
187
(42.31)
Degree 10
(27.03)
26
(6.42)
36
(8.14)
Total 37
(100.00)
405
(100.00)
442
(100.00)
Source: Field Survey
Note: Figures in parentheses indicate the percentage to total
6.2.3 Distribution of Sample Respondents by Size of the Family
The size of the family plays an important role in the determination of living
conditions of the farmers. The consequence of the large size of the family
adversely affects the standard of living. It is also related to per capita income,
employment and market infrastructure. So an analysis is a must to know the size
of the family. Larger the size of the family, lesser will be the standard of living.
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TABLE: 6.3
DISTRIBUTION OF SAMPLE RESPONDENTS BY SIZE OF
THE FAMILY
Size of the
Family
Category of Farmers
Total
Respondents Small
Farmers
Marginal
Farmers
Below 3
17
(42.43)
96
(23.70)
113
(25.57)
3-4
12
(45.95)
245
(60.49)
257
(58.14)
Above 4 8
(21.62)
64
(15.80)
72
(16.29)
Total 37
(100.00)
405
(100.00)
442
(100.00)
Source: Field Survey
Note: Figures in parentheses indicate the percentage to total
The table 6.3 shows that the size of the families of the cultivators is
classified in to three categories. They are below 3 members, between 3-4
members and 4 and above. Out of the 442 families, 58.14 per cent of the
respondents are coming under the second classification. This data reveals that
most of the families are having 3-4 children.
6.2.4 Distribution of Sample Respondents by Years of Experience
The experience of the small and marginal farmers in the banana cultivation
is presented in the following table.
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TABLE: 6.4
DISTRIBUTION OF SAMPLE RESPONDENTS BY YEARS OF
EXPERIENCE
Years of
Experience
Category of Farmers
Total
Respondents Small
Farmers
Marginal
Farmers
Below 10 18
(48.65)
142
(35.06)
160
(36.20)
10-20 10
(27.03)
185
(45.68)
195
(44.12)
Above 20 9
(24.32)
78
(19.26)
87
(19.68)
Total 37
(100.00)
405
(100.00)
442
(100.00)
Source: Field Survey
Note: Figures in parentheses indicate the percentage to total
The table 6.4 indicates the experience of different categories of farmers.
The marginal farmers have a high experience of 10 to 20 years are 45.68 per cent
compared to the other categories. In the small farmer’s category, there is a meagre
difference between the experiences of marginal farmers’ classifications.
Of the total respondents of 442, only 87, that is 19.68 per cent of the
farmers have more than 20 years experience and the remaining 44.12 per cent of
the respondents have an experience of 10-20 years. There is a general perception
that this experience is more than enough for banana cultivation.
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6.2.5 Distribution of Sample Respondents by Reason for the Cultivation
of Banana
Banana cultivation is more profitable compared to other food crops, and,
the gestation period is also very low. The reasons for the cultivation of banana are
presented in the following Table.
TABLE: 6.5
DISTRIBUTION OF SAMPLE RESPONDENTS BY REASON FOR
THE CULTIVATION OF BANANA
Reasons
Category of Farmers
Total
Respondents Small
Farmers
Marginal
Farmers
Suitability of Soil 6
(16.22)
64
(15.80)
70
(15.84)
Less Water Requirement 6
(16.22)
84
(20.74)
90
(20.36)
Profitability 10
(27.03)
158
(39.01)
168
(38.01)
Ready Market 8
(21.62)
56
(13.83)
64
(14.48)
Income from By-products 7
(18.92)
43
(10.62)
50
(11.31)
Total 37
(100.00)
405
(100.00)
442
(100.00)
Source: Field Survey
Note: Figures in parentheses indicate the percentage to total
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The table 6.5 reveals the opinion given by the three categories of farmers
on reason for the cultivation of banana. Out of the total, 38.01 per cent of farmers
feel profitability to be the reason for banana cultivation. According to the opinion
of the 20.36 per cent respondents banana requires less water for cultivation, 15.84
per cent of the banana cultivators feel suitability of soil in this area is the reason
for banana cultivation and 14.48 per cent of the farmers opine that ready market is
the reason for cultivating banana. The remaining 11.31 per cent of the farmers feel
that income from by-products is the reason for the cultivation of banana. It is clear
from this statistics that the farmers like to get immediate output.
6.2.6 Distribution of Sample Respondents by Cropping Pattern
Agriculture is the backbone of Indian economy and prosperity of
agriculture can also largely be responsible for the prosperity of the entire Indian
economy. Cropping pattern can be made more rational through appropriate
changes in economic motives of higher production. The total production obtained
by the farmers in the study area are given in the Table 6.6.
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TABLE: 6.6
DISTRIBUTION OF SAMPLE RESPONDENTS BY CROPPING
PATTERN
Verities of
Banana
Category of Farmers
Total
Respondents Small
Farmers
Marginal
Farmers
Red Banana 10
(27.03)*
124
(30.62)¤
134
(30.32)●
Nendran 34
(91.89)*
386
(95.31)¤
420
(95.02) ●
Kathali 24
(64.86)*
146
(36.05) ¤
170
(38.46) ●
Source: Field Survey
Note: * Percentage to total no. of 37 samples enquired
¤ Percentage to total no. of 405 samples enquired
● Percentage to total no. of 442 samples enquired
The table 6.6 gives the details of the production pattern of the banana.
Production is more in nendran banana compared to other varieties like red banana
and kathai.
All the respondents are cultivating more than two varieties. Majority of the
respondents i.e. 95.02 per cent are cultivating nendran variety. But the production
efficiency is very low compared to red banana variety. 170 respondents are
cultivating kathali item which constitutes 38.46 per cent. The red banana variety is
cultivated by limited respondents i.e 30.32 per cent because the cultivating
expense is high but the productivity is low compared to other varieties. The
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researcher concludes that in this area the nendran variety is more profitable
compared to other varieties followed by red banana variety.
6.2.7 Number of Family Members Engaged in Banana Cultivation
Family members are also engaged in banana cultivation in this study area.
The selected cultivators are grouped under four categories on the basis of the
number of family members engaged in banana cultivation. The following table
explains it.
TABLE: 6.7
NUMBER OF FAMILY MEMBERS ENGAGED IN BANANA
CULTIVATION
No. of
Members
Category of Farmers
Total
Respondents Small
Farmers
Marginal
Farmers
1 16
(43.24)
176
(43.46)
192
(43.44)
2 12
(32.43)
154
(38.02)
166
(37.56)
3 5
(13.51)
43
(10.62)
48
(10.86)
More than
3
4
(10.81)
32
(7.90)
36
(8.14)
Total 37
(100.00)
405
(100.00)
442
(100.00)
Source: Field Survey
Note: Figures in parentheses indicate the percentage to total
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It is revealed from the table 6.7 that, out of 442 cultivators, in 192 family
only one family member are engage in banana cultivation. Out of the total 37.56
per cent of the cultivator’s family, two members engage in banana cultivation and
10.86 per cent of the cultivator’s family three members are engage. But 8.14 per
cent of the cultivator’s family more than three members are engaged in banana
cultivation. The researcher concluded that the disguised unemployment exists in
banana cultivation.
6.2.8 Distribution of Sample Respondents by Annual Income
Income particulars help us to know the economic condition of the banana
cultivators. The level of income depends upon the level of banana production.
There is a positive direct relationship between the banana production and the level
of income. If the banana productivity increases the level of income also increases.
The table 6.8 shows that, 21.95 per cent of the respondents are having the
income groups below `50,000. 52.71 per cent of the respondents have come under
the income group of `50,000 to 1,00,000 and 21.49 per cent of the respondents
have come under the income group of `1.00,000 to `1,50,000. Remaining 3.85 per
cent of the respondents have come under the income group of `1,50,000 and
above. The table clearly reveals that most of the respondents are earning medium
level of income.
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TABLE: 6.8
DISTRIBUTION OF SAMPLE RESPONDENTS BY ANNUAL
INCOME
Annual Income
(in `)
Category of Farmers
Total
Respondents Small
Farmers
Marginal
Farmers
Below 50,000 14
(37.84)
83
(20.49)
97
(21.95)
50,000-1,00,000 15
(40.54)
218
(53.83)
233
(52.71)
1,00,000-1,50,000 6
(16.22)
89
(21.98)
95
(21.49)
Above 1,50,000 2
(5.41)
15
(3.70)
17
(3.85)
Total 37
(100.00)
405
(100.00)
442
(100.00)
Source: Field Survey
Note: Figures in parentheses indicate the percentage to total
Lorenz curve was applied to find out the income inequality among the
respondents. It becomes clear from the diagram that the curve is nearer to the line
of equal distribution. This implies that the inequality in income among the four
groups of banana cultivators was high. On the whole, the data suggested that the
income distribution among the four groups of cultivators show wider variations.
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FIGURE: 6.1
LORENZ CURVE - ANNUAL INCOME OF THE BANANA
CULTIVATORS
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As the graphical representation gives only a rough idea about the
inequality, Gini Concentration Ratio is computed.
Gini Concentration Ratio
In order to find out the correct estimation, Gini concentration ratio’s is
calculated.
The Gini coefficient is stated as
G = 1 – Σpi (Zi + Z i-1)
where
Pi = cumulative percentage of person
Zi = cumulative percentage of income
The Gini concentration is 0.51 and 0.42 for small farmers and marginal
farmers respectively. This reveal that the degree of inequality is low among the
marginal farmers compare to small farmers. On the whole, the data suggests that
the income distribution among the four groups (0.43) of banana cultivators does
show a wider variation.
6.2.9 Average Per capita Income
Table 6.9 shows the pattern of average annual per capita income of the
banana cultivators’ households. The cultivator’s accrued income from three
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sources, namely, banana sale, by-products sale, sucker sale and others. The
following table explains the per capita income of the banana cultivators in
Kalkulam taluk.
TABLE: 6.9
AVERAGE ANNUAL PER CAPITA INCOME OF BANANA
CULTIVATORS’ HOUSEHOLDS BY SOURCE
Category of Farmers
Amount
(in `)
Percentage to
Total
Small Farmers 16,435.26 46.88
Marginal Farmers 18,621.84 53.12
Total 17,228.21 100.00
Source: Field Survey
It is observed that the average annual per capita income of the banana
cultivators households is only `17,228.21. The high per capita income group is
marginal farmers, which constitutes 53.12 per cent of the total per capita income
of the cultivators households. As the quantum of banana production per year, the
income ratio in the cultivators households and the selling rates are very low, the
average annual per capita income is very low.
This section explains the profile of the banana cultivators. Majority of the
small farmers and marginal farmers have completed the higher secondary level
education. The family members are also engaged in banana cultivation. This study
discloses that in this study area the nendran variety is more profitable compared to
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other varieties followed by red banana variety. There is a general perception that
this experience is more than enough for banana cultivation.
The income distribution among the four groups of banana cultivators does
not show wider variation. The per capita income of the banana cultivators is low
due to the low productivity of banana, low income ratio of the cultivator
households and the low selling rates are low.
6.3 Identification of factors limiting banana production
The cultivation and production are influenced by several factors such as
agro-biological factors, economic and social factors. These factors are discussed in
this section elaborately.
6.3.1 Agro-biological Factors
The respondents are asked to rank the factors that are identified in limiting
banana production. ‘Garrett ranking technique’ is used to find out the most
influencing factors.
From Table 6.10 it is clear that the agro-biological factors differ from product
to product. Climate plays a very significant role in limiting banana production for
the study area. Climate factor has scored the first rank for banana production.
Rainfall also plays a significant role in influencing banana production, for which this
variable scores the second rank.
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TABLE: 6.10
IDENTIFICATION OF AGRO-BIOLOGICAL FACTORS
Problems
Mean
Score
Rank
Severity of Wind 59.84 III
Severity of Diseases 57.88 VI
Severity of Pests 58.13 V
Soil Condition 59.00 IV
Amount of Rainfall 60.17 II
Climate 60.35 I
Natural Calamities 56.60 VII
Source: Field Survey
Severity of wind is another factor that makes considerable impact on banana
cultivation. It has secured the third rank. Soil condition, severity of pests and
severity of diseases are also important factors in the banana production and they
occupy fourth, fifth and sixth ranks respectively. Natural calamities also affect
banana cultivation and this scores seventh position.
6.3.2 Economic and Institutional Factors
The Table 6.11 gives the comparative scoring ranks of economic and
institutional factors limiting banana production in the study area. The economic and
institutional factors that limit the production of banana are; higher labour cost,
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higher cropping cost, higher pesticide cost, non-availability of credit and scarcity of
labourers.
As this study is related to the banana production, the respondents are asked to
rank the factors affecting banana production. Five factors are given. ‘Henry’s Garrett
Ranking Principles’ has been applied to find out the factors influencing banana
production.
TABLE: 6.11
IDENTIFICATION OF ECONOMIC AND INSTITUTIONAL
FACTORS
Problems
Mean
Score
Rank
Higher Labour Cost 61.16 1
Higher Cropping Cost 56.78 3
Higher Pesticide Cost 52.36 5
Non-availability of Credit 53.35 4
Scarcity of Labourers 57.28 2
Source: Field Survey
It is inferred from the Table 6.11 that the main factor on economic and
institutional factors which limit banana production is high labour cost which has
scored the first rank. The second factor which limits banana production is scarcity of
labourers. The third factor is ‘higher cropping cost’. ‘Non-availability of credit’ and
‘higher pesticide cost’ are the fourth and fifth in the order of rank.
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6.4 Problems of Banana Cultivation
Banana Cultivators had to face some problems at the time of banana
cultivation. The problems were severity of diseases, severity of pests, scarcity of
labour, problems caused by natural calamities and the high cost of production. The
banana cultivators households are asked to rank the five problems according to
their preferences. The preferences of the banana cultivators are given in the
following table.
TABLE: 6.12
PROBLEMS OF BANANA CULTIVATION
Sources I II III IV V Total
Severity Diseases 179 77 103 51 60 442
Severity of Pests 60 103 85 111 111 442
Scarcity of Labour 56 97 111 103 103 442
Natural Calamities 81 73 77 111 128 442
High Cost of Production 94 120 94 94 68 442
Total 442 442 442 442 442 2210
Source: Field Survey
Garrett Ranking Technique
Garrett ranking technique was used to rank the problems. The ranks were
assigned and points were given in the following order.
1 – Rank = 5 points
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2 – Rank = 4 points
3 – Rank = 3 points
4 – Rank = 2 points
5 – Rank = 1 point
After assigning points to various ranks, the Garrett mean score was
calculated by using the following formula.
Present Position = Nj
Rij )5.0(100 −
where,
Rij – Rank given for the ith
reason by jth respondents
Nj – Number of factors ranked by jth
respondents
TABLE: 6.13
GARRETT MEAN SCORE - PROBLEMS FACED BY BANANA
CULTIVATION
Problems Garrett Ranking
Mean Score
Rank
Severity Diseases 49.21 III
Severity of Pests 48.35 IV
Scarcity of Labour 47.71 V
Natural Calamities 50.68 II
High Cost of Production 54.07 I
Source: Field Survey
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From the above table 6.13 it is clear that high cost of production was the
main problem faced by the banana cultivators. Then scarcity of labour was the
second most important problem. Scarcity of labour was the least important
problem faced by the banana cultivators.
6.5 Problems in Marketing of Banana in the Study Area
The researcher wants to find out whether the banana cultivators have
difficulties in marketing banana 98 per cent of the respondents have revealed that
they experience difficulties in selling banana. Only two percent of the respondents
say that they have no difficulty in marketing banana.
The important marketing problems faced by the banana cultivators are; high
commission charges, high transportation, cheating by middlemen, seasonal
demand, fluctuations in prices, lack of grading, lack of finance, high labour cost
and poor quality. The following table shows the various marketing problems of
the banana cultivators.
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TABLE: 6.14
MARKETING PROBLEMS FACED BY BANANA CULTIVATORS
Problems
Total
Score
Mean
Score
Rank
High Commission Charges 1,619 3.66 6
High Transportation Cost 860 1.95 9
Cheating by Middlemen 3,264 7.38 2
Seasonal Demand 1,298 2.94 7
Fluctuations in Prices 3,337 7.55 1
Lack of Grading 2,101 4.75 5
Lack of Finance 3,192 7.22 3
High Labour Cost 2,941 6.65 4
Poor Quality 1,271 2.88 8
Source: Field Survey
From the above table 6.14, it is clear that the problem of fluctuation in price
occupies the first rank (3,337 points) and cheating by middlemen takes the second
rank with 3,264 points and lack of finance occupies the third place with 3,192
points. High labour cost gets the fourth place by scoring 2,941 points and the lack
of grading problem gets the fifth place by scoring 2,101 points. The last place is
occupied by high transportation cost scoring 860 points. The researcher concludes
that fluctuations of price and cheating by middlemen are the important problems
faced by the banana cultivators in marketing of banana.
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6.6 Reasons for Shifting Area from Paddy to Banana
Banana is an important and popular fruit both among the rich and the poor
in India. It is highly nutritious, easily digestible and rich in carbohydrates as well
as minerals. Banana is a commercial crop. It enters into every household as a
special item which is used extensively in all auspicious occasions such as
weddings, festivals and for worship. Banana crop occupies a premier position to
give lump sum income to the farmer among migrated cash and food crops. It has
greater potentiality in generating employment for agricultural labour at the farm
level.
Factor Analysis
The reasons for shifting area from paddy production to the production of
banana are discussed in this section, by applying factor analysis. Factor Analysis
is a good way of resolving the confusion and identifying important variables. The
technique of Factor Analysis is used to reduce the number of variables into smaller
and manageable number by combining related ones into factors. ‘Principal
Component Analysis’ method is used to extract factors in Eigen Value of one or
more. In order to assign variables ‘Rotated Factor Matrix’ is used.
In this study Factor Analysis is applied for identifying the reasons for
shifting area from paddy to banana and the results are given below.
224
In order to find out the appropriateness of this analysis Kaiser Meyar Olkin
(KMO) and Bartlett’s Test of Sephericity are used and the results are shown in
Table 6.15.
TABLE: 6.15
KMO AND BARTLET’S TEST
Description Value
KMO Measures of sampling adequacy .516
Bartlett’s test of Sphericity -
App. Chi-square value 1804.727
df 91
Sig. .000
The KMO value is very high (0.516). Similarly, the Bartlett’s test rejects the
null hypothesis i.e., the variables are not related as the approximate chi-square value
is 1804.727 at 91 degrees of freedom which is significant at 1 per cent level of
significance. Thus factor analysis may be considered as an appropriate technique.
The results of Principal Component Analysis to extract the number of
variables are given in Table 6.16.
225
TABLE: 6.16
PRINCIPAL COMPONENTS ANALSYIS
Compo-
nents
Extraction Sums of Squared
Loading
Rotated Sums of Squared
Loading
Total Percentage
of
Variable
Cumulative
Percentage
Total Percentage
of Variable
Cumulative
Percentage
1 3.105 22.852 22.582 2.415 17.250 17.250
2 2.039 15.450 38.302 2.034 14.529 31.779
3 1.689 12.803 51.105 1.689 12.066 43.845
4 1.444 10.942 62.047 1.632 11.655 55.500
5 1.159 8.780 70.827 1.174 8.388 63.888
From the Table 6.16 shown, it is clear that five factors can be extracted
together which account for 70.827 per cent of the total 14 variables. Hence 14
variables are summated to five factors by loosing nearly 30 per cent of data.
The table 6.17 presents the Rotated Component Matrix table by using
Varimax Method which is used to assign factors which have higher loadings.
226
TABLE: 6.17
FACTOR ANALYSIS - REASONS FOR SHIFTING AREA FROM
PADDY TO BANANA
Reasons F1 F2 F3 F4 F5
Suitable Climate for Banana .790
No Assured Water Supply for Paddy .677
Ready Market for Banana .637
Repeated Failure of Paddy .463
Difficulties in Paddy Cultivation .881
Scarcity of Labour .774
Easy Availability of Loan Facilities .713
Suitability of the Soil .677
Low Production in Paddy .579
High Net Income in Banana .908
Cost of Production is Low Compared to
Paddy
.546
Less Water Requirement .692
High Labour Charges .592
Inter Cropping Facility .472
Source: Field Survey
Table 6.17 clearly shows that in the first column the variables namely,
‘suitable climate for Banana’, ‘no assured water supply for paddy’, ‘ready market
for banana’ and ‘repeated failure of paddy’ have higher loadings of 0.790, 0.677,
0.637 and 0.463 respectively and it can be suggested that factor one is the
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combination of these four factors and have the variance of 17.250 per cent and it can
be named as ‘Failure of Paddy’.
From the second column it can be seen that the variables of ‘difficulties in
paddy cultivation’ and ‘scarcity of labour’ have higher loadings with a variance of
14.529 and it can be combined and called as ‘Labour Problem’.
The third column shows that the factors ‘easy availability of loan facilities’
0.713, ‘suitability of the soil’ 0.677 and ‘low production in paddy’0.579 have high
loadings and are summated and named as ‘Suitable Soil’.
The fourth factor namely ‘high net income in banana’, ‘cost of production
is low compared to paddy’ are combined together to be called as ‘Production
Cost’.
In the last column only three variables i.e. the ‘less water requirement’, ‘high
labour charges’ and ‘inter cropping facility’ which have higher loading are included
and named as ‘Inter Cropping’.
Thus 14 factors are reduced into five variables and are given different
names by using factor analysis. Thus ‘Failure of Paddy’, ‘Labour Problem’,
‘Suitable Soil’, ‘Production Cost’ and ‘Inter Cropping’ have been identified as the
reason for shifting area from paddy to banana.
228
SECTION: B
6.7 Banana Traders Views
This section deals with marketing of banana in Kanyakumari district. The
description of the respondents of banana trading, types of channel, transport
facilities, price fixation, marketing channel etc. are furnished. The gathered
information has been processed and analysed so as to examine the nature of
traders who are marketing banana in Kalkulam taluk.
6.7.1 Profile of Respondents (Banana Traders)
The profile of the traders is discussed in this section.
Table 6.18 exhibits the profile of the Traders. Among the age classification,
33 per cent of the respondents are of the age group of above 50 years and only a
meager five per cent representing five respondents are below 30 years of age. This
proves that younger generations are not engaged in agriculture. Higher percentage
of respondents above 41-50 years also indicates that the profession is mostly a
heritage.
Regarding to the education, 46 per cent of the respondents are graduates, 43
per cent have higher secondary education, and 11 per cent of the respondents have
no formal education.
229
TABLE: 6.18
PROFILE OF TRADERS OF THE TAULK
Traders
Variables Marthandam Thuckalay No. of
Respondents
Age (in years)
1. Below 30
2. 31 – 40
3. 41 – 50
4. ASbove 30
3
9
25
13
2
10
18
20
5
19
43
33
Educational Qualification
1. Illiterate
2. Up to HSC
3. Graduate
5
10
26
6
14
20
11
43
46
Experience
1. Below 10 years
2. 10 - 15 years
3. 15 - 20 years
4. Above 20 years
4
28
12
6
8
33
4
5
12
61
16
11
Monthly Income
1. Below `15,000
2. `15,000-30,000
3. Above `30,000
14
27
9
16
22
12
30
49
21
Source: Field Survey
Out of the total respondents 61 per cent have 10-15 years of experience, 16
per cent have 15-20 years of experience and 11 per cent have above 20 years of
experience.
Out of the total respondents 49 per cent of the respondents earn monthly
income between `15,000-30,000. The return from the profession is inadequate to
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meet even the basic necessities of life. Only 21 per cent of the respondents are
slightly comfortable with monthly income above `60,000.
6.7.2 Distribution of Respondents by Type of Banana
Agriculture is the backbone of Indian economy and prosperity of
agriculture is largely responsible for the prosperity of the entire Indian economy.
Cropping pattern should be made more rational through appropriate changes in
economic motives of higher production. The distribution of respondents by types
of banana sales in the study area is given in the Table 6.19.
TABLE: 6.19
DISTRIBUTION OF RESPONDENTS BY TYPE OF BANANA
Types of
Banana
No. of Respondents
Total No. of
Respondents
Percentage Marthandam
Thuckalay
Red Banana
Nendran Banana
Kathali Banana
22
48
24
18
50
38
40
98
62
40
98
62
Source: Field Survey
Most of the respondents market more than two varieties of banana. 98
per cent sell nendran banana variety. 62 per cent of the respondents market kathali
bunches and 40 per cent of the respondents sell red banana variety in the market.
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The researcher concludes from the study that, the nendran variety is more
profitable compared to other varieties.
6.7.3 Distribution of Respondents by Place of Market
When the produce is brought for sale to the market each individual’s
produce is allotted a lot number. Some sales are based on the verbal
understanding between buyers and sellers on the basis of the prevailing market
rate. This method is popular among who used to borrow from the traders or those
whose residence is far away from the market.
TABLE: 6.20
DISTRIBUTION OF RESPONDENTS BY PLACE OF MARKET
Place
No. of Respondents
Total No. of
Respondents
Percentage Marthandam
Thuckalay
Local 50 50 100 100.00
National 17 24 41 26.28
Export 7 8 15 9.62
Total 74 82 156
Source: Field Survey
A cultivator, who has to borrow heavily for a growing crop, often
mortgages it in advance, so that the sale of produce, which is hardly more than a
mere formality, takes place almost in his field as soon as the crop is harvested. In
all other cases where crop is not formally mortgaged it has to be disposed of
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almost immediately after harvest in order to pay off the debt. The following table
shows the mode of sales.
The table 6.20 shows the places of sales of the traders. Out of 100
respondents, the entire respondents sell their banana bunches through local market.
41 respondents have the practice of selling their banana bunches at national level
like Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh which constitute 26.68 per cent, only
15 respondents used to sell their banana bunches to other countries which
constitute 9.62 per cent. The researcher has inferred that the majority of the
respondents prefer to do business in the local market
6.7.4 Distribution of Respondents by Mode of Sales
The sellers sell their produce for cash, credit or both. This is given in the
Table 6.21.
TABLE: 6.21
DISTRIBUTION OF RESPONDENTS BY MODE OF SALES
Mode of
Sales
No. of Respondents
Total No. of
Respondents
Percentage Marthandam
Thuckalay
Credit 14 19 33 33
Cash 28 26 54 54
Both 8 5 13 13
Total 50 50 100 100
Source: Field Survey
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The table shows that 54 per cent of the traders sell the bunches for cash.
Among them, 28 respondents are from Marthandam and 26 respondents are from
Thuckalay. 33 per cent of the respondents used to sell the bunches on credit and
the remaining 13 per cent of the respondents sell the banana bunches by cash and
credit.
6.7.5 Mode of Transportation Used by Banana Traders
In a vast country like India, the existing means of transport are woefully
inadequate. Communications from the field to the village and from village to the
market are often extremely poor and defective. Bad roads, lanes and tracts
connecting village with the markets not only add to the loss of transportation but
also aggravate the strain of the traders. It results into the multiplication of small
dealers and intermediaries. They also restrict market by hindering cheap and rapid
movement of agricultural produce. There is not only mileage deficiency but there
is also a lack of feeder-roads connecting villages to market towns and the nearest
railway stations so that produce cannot be advantageously transported to the
market.
Due to this lack of transport facilities, much loss occurs. According to the
Directorate of Storage Inspection, the loss of marketable surplus of food crops
transport in is about 0.5 per cent of the quantities transported. The following table
shows the mode of transport.
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TABLE: 6.22
MODE OF TRANSPORTATION USED BY BANANA TRADERS
Mode of
Transport
No. of Respondents
Total No. of
Respondents
Percentage Marthandam
Thuckalay
Lorry 10 13 23 23
Tempo 29 18 47 47
Auto Tempo 8 14 22 22
Bus 3 5 8 8
Total 50 50 100 100
Source: Field Survey
The table 6.22 shows the mode of transport of the sellers. Out of the 100
respondents, 23 respondents are using lorry for transporting banana bunches, 47
per cent of the respondents have use tempo for transporting their products and 22
per cent of the respondents avail auto tempo for transporting their products. Only
eight per cent of the respondents use bus to transport their products to the market.
The researcher comes to the conclusion that there is no proper transport facility in
this study area.
6.7.6 Fixation of Price
Most of the sellers are fixing price arbitrarily. The following table 6.23
explains it.
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TABLE: 6.23
FIXATION OF PRICE
Fixation of Price
No. of Respondents
Total No. of
Respondents
Percentage Marthandam
Thuckalay
Supply Base 12 12 24 24
Expenditure Base 13 10 23 23
Season Base 12 16 28 28
Quality of Banana
Base
13 12 25 25
Total 50 50 100 100
Source: Field Survey
The above table shows that most of the sellers fix prices on the basis of
season. 25 per cent of the sellers fix prices on the basis of quality of banana and
24 per cent of the sellers fix prices on the supply basis. Only 23 per cent of the
respondents charge prices on the basis of expenditure. In a way the sellers are
satisfied with the price fixation.
6.7.7 Frequency of the Sales by the Banana Traders
The Table 6.24 shows the frequency of the banana sales by the banana
traders.
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TABLE: 6.24
FREQUENCY OF THE SALES BY THE BANANA TRADERS
Frequency of Sales
No. of Respondents
Total No. of
Respondents
Percentage Marthandam Thuckalay
Weekly once 12 12 24 24
Weekly 2 days 21 27 23 23
Weekly 4 days 11 7 28 28
Daily 6 4 25 25
Total 50 50 100 100
Source: Field Survey
Table 6.24 shows that the frequency of the banana sales by the banana
traders, 24 per cent of the respondents sell the banana once in a week, among
them, 12 sellers are from Marthandam and 12 respondents are from Thuckalay.
Out of the total, 48 per cent of the respondents sell the banana twice a week, 18
per cent of the respondents sell the banana once in four days a week and only 10
per cent of the respondents sell the banana daily. Hence, majority of the
respondents sell their bunches twice a week.
6.7.8 Problems of Banana Traders in Marketing in the Study Area
Traders have to face some problems in the sales of banana. From the data
collected, the researcher has identified certain problems that are faced by the traders.
The most remarkable ones are: perishability, transport problems, storage problems,
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inadequate finance, fluctuating prices and too many middlemen. The traders are
asked to rank the six problems according to their preferences. The preferences of
the traders are given in the following table.
TABLE: 6.25
PROBLEMS FACED BY BANANA TRADERS
Sources I II III IV V VI Total
Perishability 14 22 14 14 15 21 100
Transport Problems 18 15 16 21 16 14 100
Storage Problems 17 19 15 14 18 17 100
Inadequate Finance 10 14 21 18 16 21 100
Fluctuating Prices 17 20 14 17 17 15 100
Too Many Middlemen 24 10 20 16 18 12 100
Total 100 100 100 100 100 100 600
Source: Field Survey
Garrett Ranking Technique
Garrett ranking technique is used to rank the problems. The ranks and
points are given in the following order.
1 – Rank = 5 points
2 – Rank = 4 points
3 – Rank = 3 points
4 – Rank = 2 points
5 – Rank = 1 point
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After assigning points to various ranks, the Garrett mean score is calculated
by using the following formula.
Present Position = Nj
Rij )5.0(100 −
where,
Rij – Rank given for the ith
reason by jth respondents
Nj – Number of factors ranked by jth
respondents
TABLE: 6.26
GARRETT MEAN SCORE - PROBLEMS FACED BY BANANA
TRADERS Problems Garrett Ranking
Mean Score
Rank
Perishability 60.47 VI
Transport Problems 60.64 V
Storage Problems 63.37 I
Inadequate Finance 61.48 III
Fluctuating Prices 61.11 IV
Too Many Middlemen 62.93 II
From the above table it is clear that storage problem is the main problem
faced by the traders. The issue of too many middlemen is the second most
important problem. Inadeqnate transport is the least important problem faced by
the traders.
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6.7.9 Other Problems
1. The banana cultivators face different types of labour problems regarding
loading and unloading in their fields and markes. For instance when the labourers
go on strike in Marthandam and Thuckalay market, the cultivators have to
transport their banana bunches to Nagercoil and the markets in Kerala which
causes unwanted delay and greater expenditure.
2. The main problem of agricultural marketing is the price fluctuation. The
problem is solved by the government by making available cold storage facilities to
the formers.
3. Another important problem is high commission and poor information about
market rate.
This problem can be solved by the government by introducing Regulated
Market in different places and controlling higher commission.
6.8 An Overview
The problems discussed above are not permanent problems. Some problems
continue to remain as problems without any solution because there is no proper
understanding among the cultivators and the traders. The government should set
up a national level organization on a scientific basis, which will study, discuss and
analyse the problems of banana cultivators. Organizations like Regulated Market
should try to solve the problems of the cultivators as well as the traders.