Bottlenecks in Bottle Gourd Production: Evidence from Western Uttar Pradesh

Abstract

Bottle gourd is a commercially important vegetable in Western Uttar Pradesh, but growers often face
production problems that cannot be resolved through technical recommendations alone. The present
study identified and prioritized the major constraints experienced by bottle gourd growers in Hapur and
Amroha districts. An ex-post-facto research design with an exploratory component was used. Two
blocks were selected from each district, four villages from each block and 12 growers from each village
through simple random sampling, giving a total sample of 192 respondents. Data were collected through
a structured and pre-tested interview schedule. Seven constraints were ranked using Garrett’s ranking
technique. Non-availability of fertilizer emerged as the most serious bottleneck with a mean Garrett
score of 77.63, followed by high cost of inputs (67.96) and high cost of labour (59.94). Purchase of
unauthentic farm inputs ranked fourth (50.03), while low market returns (39.93), weak policy support
for inputs and technology (31.93) and distant supply agencies (21.06) occupied the remaining positions.
The three leading constraints contributed 58.98% of the cumulative Garrett score, showing a marked
concentration of grower concerns around input access and production cost. Strengthening timely
fertilizer supply, input-quality assurance, collective procurement, labour-saving services and local input
distribution may therefore improve the production environment for bottle gourd growers.