2024, Vol. 7, Special Issue 10

Kolhapur district, a key region in Maharashtra, significantly contributes to finger millet production. The district's favorable climate and traditional farming methods have established finger millet as a staple crop, particularly in hilly and sloped areas where other cereals struggle. Finger millet (Eleusine coracana), a hardy and nutrient-rich crop, is vital to the livelihoods of small-scale farmers in Kolhapur district. This study, conducted in 2023-24, surveyed 150 randomly selected farmers to assess their prospects of finger millet’s potential in production, processing, and marketing. The focus was on the prospects of finger millet cultivation as viewed by growers in the Shahuwadi, Panhala, and Karveer tahsils of Kolhapur district.

However, farmers face significant constraints in its production, processing, and marketing. Key production challenges include the negative impact of prolonged dry spells or excessive rainfall, lack of levelled lands for cultivation, and unavailability of quality seeds. Additionally, issues like damage from wild animals and limited knowledge of integrated nutrient management further reduce crop yields and hinder efficient production.

In terms of processing, farmers struggle with the absence of local processing units and insufficient training on value addition techniques. The high cost of modern equipment and reliance on traditional methods like pounding or grinding prevent small farmers from producing high-quality, value-added products. These limitations restrict their ability to generate better income and expand their market potential, making the transition to modern processing methods essential for economic growth.

To overcome these challenges, farmers have suggested several solutions. They recommend government subsidies for inputs and processing equipment, along with training programs on cultivation, processing, and marketing techniques. Establishing community-based processing centers with modern machinery could improve product quality and enhance marketability. Farmers also emphasize the need for better access to market information, the creation of procurement centers, and the establishment of export facilitation centers to increase profitability in finger millet farming. These recommendations aim to improve efficiency and empower farmers to achieve sustainable growth in finger millet production.