Identifying Constraints and Suggestions in Pineapple Production and Post-Harvest Management
Abstract
Pineapple (Ananas comosus) (Linn.) (Merr.), is one of the commercially important fruit-crop of the world especially in India. It is the third most important tropical fruit in the world after banana and citrus with fine flavor and high nutritive value. Pineapple is a good source of carotene (Vitamin A) and vitamin Band is fairly rich in ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) and it also contains a proteolytic enzyme bromelain, a digestive enzyme that digests food by breaking down protein. Bromelain also has anti-inflammatory, anti-clotting and anti-cancer properties. Consumption of pineapple regularly helps fight against arthritis, indigestion and worm infestation. The present study was undertaken with an aim to find out the reasons behind the low level of productivity in Imphal East district which has the highest area of pineapple in the state. The random sampling procedure was adopted to select the 120 sample from four villages selected for the present study. The constraints showed that majority of the pineapple growers in the area expressed the problems of inadequate facility of transport and communication, the improper pre-and post-harvest handling technique like absence of refrigerated vans for transportation, inappropriate packaging, lack of storage facilities etc. lead to heavy losses to the farmers.
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Introduction
India has been bestowed with wide range of climate and physio-geographical conditions which are conducive to grow various types of fruits and vegetables. Due to its long growing seasons, there is a year-round availability of fresh fruits and vegetables in India (Bengal,2013). Horticulture is an important industry among the land based agricultural systems. Horticultural crops are characterized by high productivity, higher returns, higher potential for employment generation and exports, comparatively lower requirement of water and easy adaptability to adverse soil and wasteland situations. The input-output ratio inmost of the horticultural crops is much higher than that in the field crops and their role in improving the environment is an added advantage (Chadha, 1993). It is established that fresh agri-produce loss reduction is cheaper than equivalent increase in production sofar as economy, energy and impact on environment is concerned. If the consumption level shoots up from the current 100 gm of fruit and 200 gm of vegetables per capita per day to at least the recommended dietary level of 140 gmand 270 gmrespectively by 2010, the domestic market for fresh fruits and vegetables could be as large as Rs.50000 crores at today’sprice structure (Anon., 2003). Past efforts have been rewarding in terms of increased production and productivity of horticultural crops (Anonymous 2007). The commercial value of fruits and vegetables in terms of direct consumption, processing as well as trade has risen substantially in recent years. "According to ICMR, a balanced diet should have 90 grams of fruits per head per day. However, on an average Indian diet has only 46 grams of fruits" (Kaul, 1997). This is a matter of concern and calls for efforts to boost fruit production.
Manipur is a small state located in the extreme northeastern part of the Indian union. The total geographical area of the state is about 22,327 square kilometres which is 0.7 % of the total land surface of the country. The state may broadly be divided into two parts viz., the hills and the valley. Manipur enjoys various climatic conditions ranging from sub-tropical to temperate regions depending upon the elevation. The main feature of the economy of Manipur is the pre-dominance of agriculture sector. Horticulture also provides an important segment of agriculture in the state producing a variety of fruits and vegetables.
Pineapple is one of the largely grown fruits in NorthEastern States of India. Its share in the country’stotal pineapple production is substantial and Manipur is one of the major contributors in this regard, like any other cash crop, it has also found a place in the soils of Manipur and the state is also becoming a safe breeding ground for it. Without any exaggeration, pineapple production in the state has outdone any other fruits production. Economically, the fruit has also become the backbone of a sizeable section of farmers who have been cultivating it as their major source of income. Pineapple is found inmost parts of the country. However, pineapple from Manipur is high in demand in other states as it has avery distinctive taste and flavor as compared to other states‟ varieties. In north-east India, Manipur is one of the leading pineapples producing States (Meitei, 1997) owing to its salubrious climate and soil type.
There are vast areas of foothills in Manipur (more than 2,00,000 ha) which are quite suitable for cultivation of pineapple and if properly utilized, it can be brought under cultivation through which Manipur can be a leading pineapple producing state of the country, thereby improving the economic condition of the farmers of Manipur. Though production is high, yet the farmers are notable to save their produce from the Post Harvest Losses resulting in great economic losses. Prevention of Post Harvest Losses in the block will lead to better returns and eventually lead to abetter way of living and it would also improve their economic condition as well. (Baithe, 2010) in the study of the adoption of pineapple cultivation practices in Manipur reported that 100 percent of the farmers felt that the lack of credit facility, cold storage and processing unit were the main constraints, price fluctuation, lack of transport facility, involvement of middlemen, lack of knowledge, high cost of input, lack of group approach and no social relation with neighbouring farmers. (Nath and Pandey, 2011) on a study in Bhubaneswar found that the major constraints contributing to the high cost of production of pineapple is the manual weeding which accounts for nearly 40 percent of the total cost and the non-availability of laborers, increasing labor wages and also labor management aggravate the problems This was similar with constraints in mango production (Reddy, 1997).
Conclusion
The constraints in production shows that the farmers perception about production of pineapple in study area was observed that 100.00 percent farmers have the problem of disease/insect/pest, 83.33 percent farmers was the lack of resources, recommended packages of practices was 75.00 percent, 66.67 percent improved varieties and 66.67 percent respondents lack of micronutrients in soil along soil testing facilities. The constraints in post-harvest management shows that all the farmers (100 percent) felt that the lack of processing industries based on pineapple, lack of storage facility and lack of regulated and co-operative market especially can be established in the block level in order to get the remunerative prices of their produce. 83.33 percent of farmers felt to difficulty about fluctuation prices and 75.00 percent had high transportation charges. The study indicated that major constraints in production among different size was found that less awareness about new technologies and high price fluctuations was the major constraints in pineapple production in the study. Pineapple is an important fruit for the bulk of our population. Demand for pineapples has been expanding both locally and globally. As mentioned at the starting, the pineapple in Manipur are considered as the best in terms of its taste by the industry experts interviewed by the authors. Most pineapples are grown by small land holders. The size of the smallholders is detrimental to their negotiating power and has led to inert distrust in collectors. The establishment of cooperatives may assist them in increasing bargaining power of the growers and can also assist the buyers in reducing their transaction costs. There is a considerable disconnection between farmers and government extension services. Lack of awareness, interest and trust in government services seems to be some of the reason for it. While there is a need for information and knowledge, farmers source it from other farmers and other non-government stake-holder which may lead to impartial or inaccurate information been passed on to new entrants.
