Vol. 12, Special Issue 11 (2023)

Author(s):
Kadiri Mohan

Abstract:
An explorative research study was conducted to examine the level of awareness and constraints in organic certification of agricultural produce by tribal farmers in hilly and agency areas of Alluri Sitharama Raju district of Andhra Pradesh during the year 2022-23. A total of 60 tribal farmers who are adopting traditional ways in cultivation of crops representing organic farming were randomly selected for the study. Questionnaire comprising of various aspects relevant to organic certification process in field crops was prepared and awareness on these aspects were analysed from the selected farmers through personal interview method. The analysed data inferred that, more than 90 percent of the tribal farmers were not aware on organic certification process viz., how to apply, where to apply, how to keep records, kinds of certification programme available etc. Very few farmers i.e., less than 20 percent were aware on little aspects relating to organic certification like market price and export system of organic food produce. The zenith constraints recorded as per farmer’s opinion indicated that farmers felt it as a very tedious and lengthy process (Rank I), high cost of cultivation for certification (Rank II) and lack of awareness on procedure (Rank III). As present farming is gazing day by day for organic food produce organic certification for the agricultural produce is the need of the hour. Tribal farmers need to be sensitised in this regards by extension functionaries for organic certification as most of them cultivate the crops without chemical interventions. Further, Government may intend for some polices/ plans for organic certification of agricultural produce benefitting the tribal farming community.