Managerial efficiency of cashew growers in Kerala and Tamil Nadu: a comparative analysis

Abstract

The research work entitled “Managerial efficiency of cashew growers in Kerala and Tamil Nadu: A comparative analysis” conducted at the College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala during the academic year 2022-24. The study objectives are to assess managerial efficiency of cashew growers; perception of cashew growers on area expansion, replanting senile and unthrifty cashew plantations; extent of adoption of technological interventions in cashew cultivation; knowledge and attitude of cashew growers on product diversification and value addition. The study employed analytical research design and followed a multi-stage purposive sampling method for diverse representation in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Kannur and Cuddalore, the top cashew-producing districts, were selected. In Kannur, 80 growers were chosen, 40 from Iritty block across Kacherikadavu (20) and Payam (20) Gram Panchayat and 40 from Peravoor block across Kelakam (20) and Kottiyoor Gram Panchayat (20). In Cuddalore, 80 growers were selected, 40 from Panruti block across Alagappasamuthiram (20) and Arasadikuppam (20) and 40 from Kammapuram block across Kotteri (20) and Muthanai (20). Data collection involved a pre-tested and structured interview schedule. It was analyzed using statistical techniques such as frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, quartile deviation, Rasch-Andrich analysis, t-test and correlation analysis. The socio-economic findings revealed notable differences between Kerala and Tamil Nadu cashew growers. In Kerala, 30.00% of respondents were in late adulthood, while Tamil Nadu had a more balanced age distribution with 28.75% in late adulthood and 27.50% in early adulthood. Male dominance was evident in both states, with 95.00% of growers in Kerala and 92.50% in Tamil Nadu being male. Kerala exhibited higher literacy with no illiteracy, while Tamil Nadu had broader educational diversity, including 7.50% illiteracy and more technical diploma holders (13.75%). Landholding patterns showed Kerala’s dominance of smallholders (62.50%), whereas Tamil Nadu had 36.25% marginal landholders and 11.25% leasing land. Kerala’s growers operated smaller plots (48.75%), while Tamil Nadu utilized more leased land (16.25%). Proficient farmers were more common in Kerala (27.50%), while Tamil Nadu had more advanced beginners (38.75%). Family sizes were larger in Kerala

The managerial efficiency of cashew growers varied across eight components, reflecting regional strengths and weaknesses. In Kerala, 31.20% of farmers were efficient in planning and 33.80% were moderately efficient in decision-making, while organizing and coordinating posed challenges, with 36.20% and 41.30% being less efficient, respectively. Tamil Nadu growers performed better in organizing (33.75% highly efficient), budgeting (37.50% efficient) and marketing (31.25% highly efficient), supported by established processing industries and market integration. Kerala had 33.75% of growers categorized as efficient overall, while Tamil Nadu had 26.25% in the highly efficient category, indicating a need for region-specific interventions to enhance overall efficiency. Entrepreneurial ability among cashew growers was predominantly at a medium level, with 55.00% in Kerala and 57.50% in Tamil Nadu falling into this category. High entrepreneurial ability was observed in 23.75% of growers in Kerala and 22.50% in Tamil Nadu, while low ability was reported among 21.25% and 20.00% of growers, respectively. Perception of area expansion and replantation was medium for 57.50% of Kerala respondents and 61.25% in Tamil Nadu. Adoption of technological interventions showed a medium level in both states, though Tamil Nadu (18.75%) had higher adoption rates than Kerala (7.50%). Knowledge of product diversification and value addition was medium for 53.75% of Kerala growers and 62.50% of Tamil Nadu (76.25% with large families), contrasting with Tamil Nadu (60.00% small families). Annual income placed 40.00% of Kerala farmers in the lower-middle-income group, compared to 52.50% in Tamil Nadu. Training attendance was low in both states, with 93.75% of Kerala growers and 86.25% in Tamil Nadu participating minimally. Information-seeking behavior revealed Kerala’s reliance on family and acquaintances (46.56%) and Tamil Nadu’s greater use of social media (54.38%). Market intelligence was average for 73.75% of Kerala farmers, while Tamil Nadu had 38.75% with superior intelligence. Economic motivation was medium for most growers in both states, though Tamil Nadu had a higher proportion of highly motivated farmers (33.75%). Kerala farmers were more confident (42.50% very confident) and had higher achievement motivation (77.50% medium motivation) compared to Tamil Nadu. Major constraints included pest and disease infestations (100.00%) in both states. Kerala struggled with limited labour availability (97.50%) and market monopolies (92.50%), while Tamil Nadu faced climate variability (93.75%) and high input costs (87.50%). In both states, inadequate irrigation and insufficient infrastructure for value addition further hindered growers' ability to enhance productivity and profitability. Policy recommendations include youth engagement, infrastructure development, market intelligence and climate resilience. Future research could explore broader cashew-growing regions, evaluate policy effectiveness and investigate advanced practices in value addition, climate resilience and digital tools to enhance cashew cultivation sustainability. growers. Similarly, attitudes toward value addition were predominantly medium in both states.