Title: ADOPTION AND ISSUES FACED IN BAY LEAF CULTIVATION IN THE NORTHERN REGION OF WEST BENGAL
Authors:
Titu Das and Kanchan Datta
Abstract:
Bay leaf (Cinnamomum tamala), a moderate sized evergreen tree, holds significant culinary and medicinal value while also contributing to rural economic development. The present study aims to assess the level of adoption of bay leaf cultivation and to identify the major challenges faced by farmers in the North Bengal region. A total of 70 bay leaf cultivators were selected through multi-stage purposive sampling across three blocks of North Bengal. The study utilised chi-square tests to examine the association between farmers’ characteristics and their engagement in bay leaf cultivation, while Problem Confrontation Index (PCI) and Adoption Quotient Index (AQI) were used to measure problem severity and adoption levels, respectively. Findings indicate that variables such as age, education, and farming experience were highly significant in influencing bay leaf cultivation practices. The most important problems identified were high input costs (PCI score 142) and the non-availability of hybrid seeds (PCI score 135), ranking first and second among reported constraints. Overall, the adoption level of bay leaf cultivation was found to be medium (AQI = 54.09). Among the three study blocks, Rajganj had the highest adoption score (AQI = 59.03), followed by Phansidewa (AQI = 55.89) and Chopra (AQI = 46.47). These findings underscore the need for appropriate government interventions to enhance the availability of essential agricultural inputs, such as fertilizers, pesticides, and quality hybrid seeds, to promote the expansion and sustainability of bay leaf cultivation in these areas. The study contributes valuable empirical evidence to support policy formulation for improving the livelihood prospects of rural farmers through strengthened bay leaf production systems.
Keywords: Bay leaf, Cultivation, Chopra, Phansidewa, Rajganj Block, Problem Confrontation Index, Adoption Quotient Index.
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