Constraints to cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.) production in peri-urban area of Saharsa district in Bihar

Abstract

Vegetables are the integral part of the balanced diet of human since time immemorial. Globally,\rthe role of vegetables has been recognized in solving the problem of food and nutritional\rsecurity. A survey conducted to assemble baseline information on farming practices to cabbage\rproduction in peri-urban area of Saharsa district.Structured questionnaires used to elicit\rinformation from cabbage farmers, where cabbage is intensively produced. The level of\reducation among the growers was low as only 6.67 per cent had secondary education. Majority\rof the growers (68%) did not own the lands, thus, resulting in approximately 65 per cent of\rthem cultivating less than one acre of cabbage. Majority of cabbage farmers (61.67 %) planted\rcabbage on raised beds. Cabbage production was characterized by high use of inorganic\rfertilizer (NPK). Seventy-three per cent farmers employed the watering cans in cabbage\rproduction. Farmers in their quest to mitigate the high insect pest infestation and problems\rsuch as wilting of plants, leaf curl and leaf spots resorted to high frequency of pesticides\rapplication. The information gathered from this study would form the basis for the formulation\rof an integrated pest management (IPM) as well as integrated nutrient management (INM)\rstrategy to enhance environmentally sustainable production of cabbages. This would reduce\renvironmental degradation and ensure maximum protection for human well being.