Shifting Turmeric Cultivation to Other Crops by Small-Holder Farmers in a Selected Area of India

Tamilnadu is one of the leading turmeric producing states in India. The turmeric productivity of the state has been declining for the last three years. Many small-scale farmers start shifting turmeric cultivation to other crops due to various reasons that need to be explored. The study has identified the reasons for this shifting among the small-scale farmers where the invading gets doing. Data for this study have been collected from 50 farmers randomly selected from Kanjikoil Village of Erode district using a pre-tested interview schedule. The study reveals that the major causes of shifting turmeric cultivation to other crops are competitive producers from other states (90%), lowering of selling price (88%), lack of technological usage (66%), postharvest losses (72%), higher labour and operation cost (70%), and lack of knowledge on pest control (70%). Based on the results, the feasible recommendations are derived to enhance the turmeric crop growth in the state.