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International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development
Volume 7; Issue 9; September 2024; Page No. 418-421
Received: 08-07-2024 Indexed Journal
Accepted: 15-08-2024 Peer Reviewed Journal
Challenges in agriculture in tribal areas of Chhattisgarh
1
Roshan Kumar Bhardwaj, 2GP Bhaskar, 3Chandresh Kumar Dhurwey and 4Dushyant Kumar Kaushik
1
Assistant Professor, Department of Agriculture Statistics, College of Agriculture and Research Station, IGKV, Katghora,
Korba, Chhattisgarh, India
2
Department of Agronomy, College of Agriculture and Research Station, IGKV, Katghora, Korba, Chhattisgarh, India
3
Department of Agriculture Economics, College of Agriculture and Research Station, IGKV, Katghora, Korba, Chhattisgarh,
India
4
Agriculture Entomology, College of Agriculture and Research Station, IGKV, Katghora, Korba, Chhattisgarh, India
DOI: https://doi.org/10.33545/26180723.2024.v7.i9f.1081
Corresponding Author: Roshan Kumar Bhardwaj
Abstract
Agriculture is the primary livelihood for a significant portion of the population in Chhattisgarh, especially in its tribal regions. These areas,
predominantly inhabited by indigenous communities, face unique challenges that hinder agricultural productivity and sustainability.
Understanding these challenges is crucial for developing effective strategies to improve the agricultural sector and the overall well-being of
these communities. These challenges are multifaceted, stemming from socio-economic, environmental, and infrastructural issues. Here, we
delve into the primary obstacles faced by farmers in these regions and discuss potential solutions to mitigate them.
Keywords: Agricultural challenges, Aspirational District, indigenous, Tribal
Introduction
Agriculture forms the backbone of the rural economy in Data Analysis: Quantitative data was analyzed using
India, with a significant proportion of the population descriptive statistics to identify common challenges, while
engaged in farming activities. In Chhattisgarh, a state qualitative data from interviews was thematically analyzed
known for its diverse tribal communities, agriculture is to gain insights into local perceptions and experiences.
crucial for subsistence and livelihood. However, tribal areas
face unique challenges that hinder agricultural productivity. Results
This study explores these challenges, focusing on the socio- 1. Socio-Economic Challenges
economic, environmental, and infrastructural issues Limited Access to Resources: Many tribal farmers lack
impacting agriculture in tribal regions of Chhattisgarh [1, 2]. access to modern agricultural inputs such as high-quality
seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides.
Materials and Methods
Study Area: The study focuses on tribal districts in Low Literacy Levels: Low levels of literacy and education
Chhattisgarh, including Bastar, Kanker, and Surguja along among tribal populations hinder the adoption of advanced
with two blocks of Korba district. These regions are farming techniques and technology.
characterized by their diverse tribal populations and varying
agricultural practices [3]. Land Tenure Issues: Land ownership and tenure rights are
often unclear in tribal areas, leading to disputes and
Data Collection: Data was collected through a combination insecurity among farmers. The absence of proper land
of field surveys, interviews with local farmers, and records and the prevalence of customary land practices
consultations with rural agricultural extension officers. The complicate the implementation of land reforms and restrict
survey instrument included structured questionnaires farmers' ability to make long-term investments in their land.
addressing crop patterns, soil health, irrigation practices, Poverty and lack of awareness are significant barriers that
and access to resources. prevent tribal farmers from adopting new technologies and
practices. These socio-economic factors also restrict their
Sampling Method: A stratified random sampling technique ability to access government schemes and financial support.
was used to ensure representation from various tribal Initiatives are needed to improve education and awareness,
communities. A total of 150 households were surveyed enabling farmers to better utilize available resources and
across the selected districts [4]. schemes [5, 6].
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2. Environmental Challenges 6. Financial Constraints and Limited Credit Facilities
Soil Degradation: Intensive farming practices and Access to credit and financial services is a major challenge
deforestation have led to soil erosion and loss of soil for tribal farmers. Most of them do not have the necessary
fertility. documentation or collateral to avail of formal loans from
banks. This leads to dependence on informal moneylenders
Water Scarcity: Seasonal variations and inadequate who charge exorbitant interest rates, trapping farmers in
irrigation infrastructure result in insufficient water supply cycles of debt and poverty [15].
for agriculture.
The tribal areas of Chhattisgarh are characterized by hilly 7. Market Access and Fair Pricing
terrains, dense forests, and uneven topography, which make Tribal farmers often lack direct access to markets where
traditional farming practices difficult. The region also they can sell their produce at fair prices. Middlemen exploit
experiences erratic rainfall, leading to periods of drought this situation, offering low prices for agricultural products,
and flooding. These climatic conditions result in which significantly reduces the profit margins for farmers.
unpredictable agricultural yields and pose a constant threat The lack of market information and bargaining power
to food security. These changes adversely affect crop yields further aggravates this issue.
and farmer livelihoods. The lack of climate-resilient
agricultural practices further exacerbates the vulnerability of 8. Health and Nutritional Issues
these tribal communities [7, 8]. The health and nutritional status of the tribal population is
often compromised due to inadequate access to healthcare
3. Infrastructural Challenges services and nutritious food. Poor health affects the
Poor Transportation: Inadequate road infrastructure productivity and labor capacity of farmers, creating a
affects the transportation of agricultural produce to markets, vicious cycle of poverty and malnutrition [16, 17, 18].
leading to lower incomes for farmers. Nutritional deficiencies are prevalent among the tribal
populations, which affects their overall productivity and
Lack of Extension Services: Limited access to agricultural health. Projects focusing on nutrition-supportive agriculture
extension services reduces the dissemination of knowledge aim to address this issue by ensuring the production of
and technological innovations. diverse and nutritious crops. The World Bank-supported
The tribal areas often suffer from inadequate infrastructure, CHIRAAG project is one such initiative, which integrates
including poor road connectivity, limited irrigation food security with agricultural development [3, 7, 9, 14].
facilities, and insufficient storage facilities. This hampers
the timely transportation of agricultural produce to markets, 9. Government Policies and Implementation Gaps
leading to post-harvest losses and reduced income for Although there are various government schemes and
farmers. Additionally, the lack of reliable irrigation systems policies aimed at supporting agriculture in tribal areas, the
forces farmers to depend heavily on monsoon rains, which implementation of these programs often falls short. Issues
are becoming increasingly unpredictable [9]. such as bureaucratic delays, corruption, and lack of
coordination between different government departments
4. Inadequate Infrastructure and Market Access hinder the effective delivery of benefits to the intended
The remote tribal areas suffer from poor infrastructure, recipients [19]
including inadequate irrigation facilities, lack of storage,
and insufficient transportation networks. This limits the Discussion with Potential Solutions
farmers' ability to access markets and sell their produce at The findings highlight that the agricultural challenges faced
by tribal areas in Chhattisgarh are multifaceted. Socio-
profitable prices. The absence of organized farmer producer
economic issues, such as limited access to resources and
organizations also hampers their bargaining power and
low literacy, directly impact productivity and the adoption
access to better market opportunities [10, 11].
of modern practices. Environmental concerns, particularly
soil degradation and water scarcity, exacerbate the
5. Limited Access to Modern Agricultural Practices
difficulties faced by farmers. Additionally, poor
Farmers in these regions primarily rely on traditional
infrastructure hinders market access and the availability of
farming methods, which are less efficient and productive
extension services [19, 20].
compared to modern agricultural practices. Limited access Addressing these challenges requires a multi-pronged
to updated agricultural knowledge, technologies, and tools approach. Improving literacy and education, clarifying land
further exacerbates this issue. The lack of awareness and tenure, and enhancing access to modern inputs are crucial
training in sustainable farming practices also contributes to steps. Environmental conservation practices and
soil degradation and decreased fertility over time [12, 13]. investments in irrigation infrastructure are needed to address
There is a need for capacity building and training programs soil and water issues. Moreover, developing better
to introduce farmers to sustainable and climate-smart transportation networks and expanding agricultural
agricultural practices. Projects like the Chhattisgarh extension services can significantly improve productivity
Inclusive Rural and Accelerated Agriculture Growth and farmer incomes.
(CHIRAAG) aim to address this by promoting diversified To overcome these challenges, a multi-pronged approach is
and nutritive food systems, but their implementation is still necessary: overcome these challenges, a multi-pronged
in nascent stages [14]. approach is necessary:
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