Constraint analysis of mungbean production in Cereal-based cropping system in Punjab

The production constraint analysis brought out that about two-thirds of mungbean growers reported that Mungbean Yellow Mosaic Virus (MYMV) appeared on the crop but the yield losses were not found significant as expected from the appearance of the disease. The MYMV has caused yield losses varying between 13–18 per cent only in summer and kharif mungbean crop. Yield loss due to insect/pest infestation was another major problem in mungbean cultivation in both the seasons. The major weeds caused yield loss in mungbean were Itsit (Trianthema portulacastrum) and Motha (Cyperus rotundus). Besides, non-availability of quality seed, shortage of labor and timeliness of field operations were the major input constraints and price variability, lack of price information, low market demand and high labor needs were the important marketing constraints as highlighted by the summer mungbean growers. Diseases, insects/pests and marketing problems were found as the most important problems in order of their intensity both in summer as well as kharif mungbean. The mungbean growers wanted the scientists to evolve new varieties that are more disease resistant, bears more pods per plant and excess- moisture tolerant varieties for enhancing the yield levels of mungbean in both the seasons. In order to improve income of farmers effectively, in addition to improved cultivars with desired traits, the policy makers need to introduce an efficient marketing system and ensure proper price support.