Constraints faced by the farm youth in chrysanthemum cultivation

Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum indicum) is a commercially important floricultural crop in India, widely cultivated for its ornamental, religious, and economic value. In Tamil Nadu, particularly in Salem district, chrysanthemum cultivation has seen a steady rise, offering promising livelihood opportunities for rural youth. However, despite its potential, several challenges limit youth participation and profitability in this sector. This study was conducted to identify and analyze the constraints faced by farm youth involved in chrysanthemum cultivation in Salem district. An ex post facto research design was adopted, and three blocks with the highest concentration of chrysanthemum cultivation such as Omalur, Kadayampatti, and Mecheri were purposively selected. Data were collected from 120 youth farmers across 12 villages using a structured interview schedule. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including mean scores and rankings to prioritize the constraints. The results indicated that high commission charges, low market price for flowers, high input costs, inadequate storage facilities, and limited access to quality planting materials were the most severe challenges faced by the respondents. Additional constraints included lack of organized markets, transportation difficulties, labor scarcity, and limited technical knowledge regarding pest and disease management. The study highlights the need for targeted policy interventions, including the establishment of organized flower markets, capacity building, improved extension services, and input subsidies to enhance the economic viability of chrysanthemum cultivation. Addressing these issues could significantly boost rural youth engagement in floriculture, contributing to agricultural diversification and sustainable rural development.