Constraints faced by the MAUS-612 soybean variety growers & non-growers

This study evaluated the comparative constraints faced by growers and non-growers of the MAUS-612 soybean variety in the Marathwada region of Maharashtra, encompassing a sample size of 160 growers and 160 non-growers. Using Garrett’s ranking technique, key challenges across personal, socio-economic, technical, agronomical, and marketing domains were analyzed. Among personal constraints, a knowledge gap in advanced cultivation practices was predominant, with mean scores of 51.86 for growers and 50.71 for non-growers. Lack of education (51.25 for growers, 51.04 for non-growers) and old age (49.81 for growers, 50.04 for non-growers) further limited modern farming adoption. Socio-economic constraints were more pronounced for non-growers, particularly high input costs (55.02 vs. 52.62 for growers), low income (54.64), and high labor wages (54.81). Credit unavailability was a significant issue, affecting non-growers (54.22) more than growers (51.93). Technical challenges, including non-availability of high-yielding seeds and fertilizers, were reported with scores of 55.19 for growers and 54.00 for non-growers. Agronomical issues, such as erratic rainfall and high pest incidence, along with marketing constraints like inadequate MSP (52.95 for non-growers, 51.67 for growers), highlighted the urgent need for improved extension services, input availability, and enhanced market infrastructure to support soybean production and marketing.