Constraints in the Production and Marketing of Maize in Punjab

The present study was undertaken to examine constraints in the production and marketing of maize in Punjab. A representative sample of 300 maize growers was drawn from the three districts of Punjab by using multi-stage random sampling technique on the basis of concentration of area under maize. The findings of the study reveled that the selected maize growers faced constraints as the maize crop specific technology adoption was concerned. The institutional, marketing and socio-economic constraints were found to be impediments in the production of maize. More specifically the sample farmers suffered on account of non-availability of credit, poor marketing facilities, lack of storage facilities, non-availability of seed suitable to the local needs, late sowing of crop etc. The detailed analysis of the constraints impediment to production and marketing of maize reflect the urgent need for overhauling of the entire marketing system. This in turn helps in the allocation of resources to maize crop in the state like Punjab where groundwater is depleting very fast, needs to be diversified in favour of less water requiring crops like maize.