Constraints in Supply of Inputs for Organic Paddy Production in Madhya Pradesh

Constraints in supply of inputs for organic production of paddy have been studied in the Jabalpur district of Madhya Pradesh by taking a sample of 100 farmers from both organic and inorganic paddy systems and using ranking average and percentage techniques. These constraints have been reported under three categories, viz. production constraints; manure, bio-fertilizer and plant protection measures related constraints; and marketing and other constraints. The major constraints reported by organic paddy growers included lower yield, high seed price, lack of availability of improved seed and high price of seed, while inorganic paddy growers reported that organic farming was a slow process coupled with lack of knowledge about the recommended package of practices and lack of capital. The major marketing constraints reported by respondents included lack of agencies for purchase of organic products, long distance of purchase agencies, dependence on middlemen, and lack of market information. The study has suggested creation of a strong network for purchasing of organic products and announcement of separate support prices for the organic products.