Contract farming viability perception of mosambi orange growers

The present study was conducted in the drought affected Jalna and Aurangabad districts of the Marathwada region in Maharashtra. It aimed at ascertaining the Mosambi orange growers ’perception towards contract farming and find out the issues governing profitability in Mosambi orange. The total sample of 200 was derived from eighteen villages of six taluka in the two districts using random walk sampling technique. The data collected through a structured interview schedule were analyzed using the t-test of significance of difference between sample and population means. The study revealed significant relationship between social participation (t=2.335) and perceived acceptability of contract farming at 5 per cent level of significance. The land holding (t=2.932) and average per hectare productivity (t=2.673) showed significant relationship at 1 per cent level of significance. The access to improved technology was felt to be main advantage that appealed to the maximum respondents (RBQ=168.75) followed by better quality produce (RBQ=165.5). As regarding risks factors in Mosambi orange farming, water scarcity induced fruit drop ranked topped the list followed by inadequate water for irrigation. The profitability concerns were mostly attributed to distress sale due to immediate need of money and prevalent tradition (RBQ=184.00) followed by unfair price (RBQ=178.00). It is expected that this study will help policy makers to develop more appropriate marketing policies in India.