INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LATEST TECHNOLOGY IN ENGINEERING,  
MANAGEMENT & APPLIED SCIENCE (IJLTEMAS)  
ISSN 2278-2540 | DOI: 10.51583/IJLTEMAS | Volume XIV, Issue XI, November 2025  
Problem of Small-Scale Farmers in Agricutlure Sector in Tirunelveli  
Taluk  
1 Dr. M. Nithya, 1 Dr. S. Banupriya, 2 Dr. K. Esakkimuthu  
1 Assistant Professor, Department of Commerce, Yadava College, Madurai Kamaraj University,  
Madurai, Tamil Nadu.  
2 Assistant Professor, Department of Commerce, K.R College of Arts & Science, Kovilpatti,  
Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu.  
DOI: https://doi.org/10.51583/IJLTEMAS.2025.1411000004  
Received: 20 November 2025; Accepted: 25 November 2025; Published: 29 November 2025  
ABSTRACT:  
India is an agriculture-oriented country. The country of agriculture of India towards employment is often not  
right recognized and well appreciated, although it provides employment to a great majority of people, that is,  
about 60 per cent of the country’s population. It is feeding its huge population with food grains and other food  
items. The food grain production is around 230 million tonnes. Agriculture is contributing to industrial  
development through supply of raw materials. Agriculture commodities constitute 25 per cent of India’s exports,  
while its share in the national income works out to be 18 per cent. The agrarian economy is the base on which  
the entire distorted structure of the economy and the society is constructed. Nowadays, these farming techniques  
are necessary as day-to-day farming lands are becoming apartments and factories. Actually, everything is  
happening in a contrast as for the increasing population. There should be an increase in agriculture land, but  
instead it is in a decreasing stage. In such a case, the awareness among the farmers is lacking. The government  
has to take some initiatives about such issues and appoint some persons to spread awareness about the profitable  
techniques of farming to uneducated farmers. Some are non-eco-friendly but we still continue the same. We must  
have some awareness about those things which may give profit in instant, but not an everlasting one better future.  
Key Words: Population, Economy, Agricultural commodities, farmers.  
INTRODUCTION  
Agricultural production in developing countries has largely been on subsistence basis. The farmers only produce  
for themselves and immediate families and the quantity of goods produced are grossly inadequate for the growing  
population. There is an increased wide-spread in the level of poverty amongst the people especially those living  
in the rural areas. An old growing situation of unemployment in recent years had led many the rural/urban  
dwellers into small scale farming and today, the small scale farmers are known for their important and huge  
contributions to the Gross National product, they are currently the producers of about 98 percent of the food  
consumed in Tirunelveli with the only exception of As agriculture land in developed countries shrinks arable  
land has not been exploited to produce crops and because of urban expansion, food production is gradually  
livestock to stem the threat of hunger and poverty being a critical resource which Africa can supply to the through  
efficient production system. It is obvious that world. The cost of producing food in first world countries from  
growth point of view, opportunities exist in Africa’s extremely high and land is scarce; but on the other  
agriculture sector. In Tirunelveli Taluk with small-scale farmers no hand, sub- Saharan Africa has enormous  
natural, physical doubt, having a lot to benefit in a situation where there is and human potential. The focus of  
the revealing the problem faced by small scale farmers in Tirunelveli Taluk in order to showcase them for  
possible solutions by the various arms of government, nongovernmental organizations and interested individuals.  
Small scale farmers have always played dominant role in agricultural.  
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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LATEST TECHNOLOGY IN ENGINEERING,  
MANAGEMENT & APPLIED SCIENCE (IJLTEMAS)  
ISSN 2278-2540 | DOI: 10.51583/IJLTEMAS | Volume XIV, Issue XI, November 2025  
Statement of The Problem:  
A redirection of attention to agriculture had long- time been strategized by government and non-governmental  
agencies as the right antidote to the crises of unemployment in yet majority of the rural dwellers seek migration  
opportunities hence, compounding the general unemployment situation and food shortages in the country. An  
investigation to know the problems that have made individual (small scale) unattractive becomes imperative.  
India is the world’s largest producer of milk, Pulse and Juke, and rank as the second largest producer of rice,  
wheat, sugarcane, groundnut, vegetables and fruits. Agriculture is the primary source of livelihood for about  
58% of India’s population. Recently in our country the farmers were protesting against the three new laws  
introduced by the central government that is loosened rules around sale, pricing and storage of farm products  
which have protected them from free market for years. Therefore, the present study is done on the problems  
faced by the farmers and the chances of being successful in future by using the schemes, subsidy and incentives  
provided by the government. Also, to know whether the farmers are aware of the government policies, provided  
to safeguard the farmers  
Meaning:  
“Small –Scale agriculture is a method of agriculture that was less machinery and more human labour.” “Local  
Small-scale farming typically utilizes more sustainable method than conventional farming systems to maintain  
soil productivity.”  
Definition:  
The term agriculture as defined as an art, science and business of producing crops and livestock for economic  
purposes.  
Scope of The Study  
Agriculture is the backbone of the economy. It has many opportunities, but utilization of those opportunities is  
not up to the level. This study was mainly focused on problems and prospects of small farming. The intention is  
to know the socio-economic factors affecting the farmers. Therefore, this study is to understand the problems  
and prospect faced by farmers. The investigation is limited to farmers that have farmed for at least three to four  
years within the study area in Arable Crop farming with cultivated fields of less than five-hectares, domestic  
animal readers with less than five thousand fishes in their ponds and also, home-garden vegetable farmers  
scattered around in the local government area.  
Objective of The Study:  
To Identify the socio-economic condition of the farmer in Tirunelveli taluk.  
To know the problems faced by small scale farmer in Tirunelveli taluk.  
To analyse the problem faced by small scale farmer in Tirunelveli taluk.  
Area of The Study  
The study covers Small Scale agriculture in farmers in the area of Tirunelveli Taluk.  
Period of The Study  
This study for the problem and challenges of Indian agriculture in Tirunelveli Taluk require for the period of  
2023-2024 for the complete research and analysis of the data.  
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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LATEST TECHNOLOGY IN ENGINEERING,  
MANAGEMENT & APPLIED SCIENCE (IJLTEMAS)  
ISSN 2278-2540 | DOI: 10.51583/IJLTEMAS | Volume XIV, Issue XI, November 2025  
METHODOLOGY  
The present study is empirical research and it is based on the survey method. A Structured non-disguised  
questionnaire was used to collect information. This study is descriptive and analytical in nature based on primary  
and secondary data.  
Research Design  
The researcher has been selected on convenience sampling technique and the total number of samples was 150  
out of which 100 were selected. The structural interview schedule was used to collect the relevant data.  
Sampling Design  
The present study is based on convenience sampling method has been adopted 110 sample respondents from  
Tirunelveli area has been selected on the basis of convenience and get the questionnaire filled in. Excellent  
opportunity for organized retailers in the area. This study has an academic significance, bearing in mind the new  
and promising trends in the feel of marketing, specially retailing.  
Data Collection Method:  
Primary data  
Secondary data  
Primary Data  
The primary data were collected directly from the sample consumers through a well devised interview schedule  
method is used to collect data from the respondents. Sample size of 110 respondents has been appended in the  
report.  
Secondary Data  
The secondary data were collected directly from the sample consumers through a well devised interview  
schedule method is used to collect data from the respondents. Sample size of 110 respondent has been appended  
in the report.  
Statistical Tools Used for Analysis  
Apart from the necessary table chart and like suitable tools are applied for analysis and interpretation.  
Percentage analysis  
Chi square test analysis  
Limitation of The Study:  
The following are the limitations of the study:  
It is restricted to110 farmers as respondents in the Tirunelveli Taluk. Hence results obtained from the study  
cannot be generalized to the population as a whole. As the study was conducted for short duration of five months  
it was difficult to study in depth about the various aspects. This study only covers problem of the famers. Time  
Constraint.  
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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LATEST TECHNOLOGY IN ENGINEERING,  
MANAGEMENT & APPLIED SCIENCE (IJLTEMAS)  
ISSN 2278-2540 | DOI: 10.51583/IJLTEMAS | Volume XIV, Issue XI, November 2025  
INTRODUCTION OF REVIEW LITERATURE:  
A literature review is a type of academic writing that provides an overview of existing knowledge in a particular  
field of research. A good literature review summarizes analyses, evaluates and synthesizes the relevant literature  
within a particular field of research. It illuminates how knowledge has evolved within the field, highlighting  
what has already been done, what is generally accepted, what is emerging and what is the current state of thinking  
on the topic. Additionally, literature reviews identify the gaps in the current knowledge that is, un investigated  
or under-researched areas.  
Review of Literature  
1. Alexandra Effenberger 36 (2), 175-205, 2012 - After 20 years of neglect by international donors, agriculture  
is now again in the headlines because high food prices are increasing food insecurity and poverty. In the coming  
years, it will be essential to increase food productivity and production in developing countries, especially in Sub-  
saharan Africa and with smallholders. This however, requires finding viable solutions to a number of complex  
technical, institutional, and policy issues, including land markets, research on seeds and inputs, agricultural  
extension on seeds and inputs, agricultural extension, credit rural infrastructure, connection.  
2. Mahesh Singh, Anaemia Pander(2021) - Small scale farming referred to the method of farming in which  
farming has been done on a small piece of land. Apart from various benefits of small scale farming such greater  
productivity, improved quality and provide more employment, it has some drawback such as financial  
uncertainty, less profit etc., Because of high quality of the food produced by small scale farming the demand of  
the respective food is also high that leads to the improved health. By considering the all aspects of the small  
farming, this review paper discussed about the problems and prospects of small-scale farming.  
Data Analysis & Interpretation:  
Age of the Respondents  
AGE  
Under 18  
NO. OF RESPONDENTS PERCENTAGE%  
13  
39  
11.8  
35.5  
35.5  
17.3  
100.0  
18-25  
26-40  
39  
Above 40  
Total  
19  
110  
The age distribution of respondents is as follows: 11.8% are under 18, 35.5% are aged 18-25, 35.5% are aged  
26-40, and 17.3% are above 40. A total of 110 respondents participated in the survey."  
Gender of the Respondents  
GENDER  
Male  
NO. OF RESPONDENTSPERCENTAGE %  
42  
68  
38.2  
61.8  
Female  
Total  
110  
100.0  
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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LATEST TECHNOLOGY IN ENGINEERING,  
MANAGEMENT & APPLIED SCIENCE (IJLTEMAS)  
ISSN 2278-2540 | DOI: 10.51583/IJLTEMAS | Volume XIV, Issue XI, November 2025  
The gender distribution among respondents indicates that 38.2% are male and 61.8% are female. Out of 110  
respondents, 42 are male and 68 are female. The majority of respondents, accounting for 61.8%, identify as  
female, while 38.2% identify as male.  
Biggest Challenges Small Scale Farmer  
CHALLENGES  
Access to Capital  
Lack of Technical Knowledge  
Market Access  
Climate Change  
Others  
NO. OF RESPONDENTS PERCENTAGE %  
14  
24  
12.7  
21.8  
28.2  
25.5  
11.8  
100.0  
31  
28  
13  
Total  
110  
Among the 110 respondents surveyed, various challenges were identified in their respective fields. Notably,  
12.7% of respondents cited 'Access to Capital' as a primary obstacle, while 'Lack of Technical Knowledge' was  
highlighted by 21.8% of participants, indicating its significant impact. Moreover, 'Market Access' emerged as a  
major concern for 28.2% of respondents, underscoring the importance of market connectivity. Surprisingly,  
'Climate Change' was identified as a substantial challenge by 25.5% of participants, reflecting growing  
environmental concerns within industries. Additionally, 11.8% of respondents mentioned 'Others' as challenges  
not categorized, demonstrating a variety of unique obstacles faced. This breakdown illustrates the diverse  
spectrum of challenges encountered across different sectors."  
Major Accessing Markets on Produce  
CESSING MARKETS ON PRODUCE  
Lack of Market Information  
Poor Transportation Infrastructure  
Middlemen Exploiting Farmers  
Price Fluctuations  
NO. OF RESPONDENTS PERCENTAGE %  
15  
19  
32  
25  
19  
13.6  
17.3  
29.1  
22.7  
17.3  
Others  
This table shows the accessing markets on produce distribution of 110 respondents. Among them 15 respondents  
(13.6%) are Lack of market information, while 19 respondents (17.3%) are poor transportation infrastructure,  
while 32 respondents (29.1%) are Middlemen exploiting farmers, while 25 respondents (22.7%) are price  
fluctuations, while 19 respondents (17.3%) are other. This information provides an understanding of the  
accessing markets on produce composition within the surveyed population.  
Type of Farming Method in Future  
TYPE OF FARMING  
FREQUENCY  
PERCENTAGE%  
Traditional Farming  
21  
19.1  
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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LATEST TECHNOLOGY IN ENGINEERING,  
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ISSN 2278-2540 | DOI: 10.51583/IJLTEMAS | Volume XIV, Issue XI, November 2025  
Organic Farming  
Hydroponic Farming  
Aquaponic Farming  
Perm culture  
25  
22.7  
28.2  
20.0  
10.0  
100.0  
31  
22  
11  
Total  
110  
In this dataset, hydroponic farming emerges as the most prevalent type among respondents, comprising 28.2%  
of the surveyed farmers, indicating a significant interest or adoption of soil-less cultivation methods. Organic  
farming closely follows, representing 22.7% of respondents, reflecting a substantial preference for natural and  
sustainable agricultural practices. Meanwhile, traditional farming and aquaponic farming show comparable  
frequencies, at 19.1% and 20.0% respectively, suggesting a balanced consideration between conventional and  
innovative cultivation techniques. Permaculture, with the lowest frequency at 10.0%, signifies a lesser  
prevalence or recognition among the surveyed population, potentially indicating a niche or specialized approach  
to farming.  
FINDINGS OF THE STUDY:  
The findings of the study are summarized as follows:  
The table shows that, majority 17% of the respondents are 18-25 years age group.  
The table shows that, majority 68% of the respondents are Female.  
The table shows that, majority 44% respondents’ income is up to are 20,000-30000  
The table shows that majority 28% respondents are climate change.  
The table shows that majority 42% respondents are others.  
The table shows that majority 37% respondents are NGO‟s co-operative.  
The table shows that majority 40% respondents are Quality.  
The table shows that majority 66% respondents are No.  
The table shows that majority 43% respondents are Direct to consumer.  
The table shows that majority 43% respondents are rarely.  
The table shows that majority 60% respondents are No.  
The table shows that majority 32% respondents are Middlemen exploiting farmer.  
The table show that majorities 35% respondents are Crop rotation and Intercropping.  
The table shows that majority 28% respondents are Infrastructure Development.  
The table shows that majority 31% respondents are Yield optimization resources efficiency.  
The table shows that majority 31% respondents are Hydroponic farming.  
The table shows that majority 46% respondents are Succession Planning  
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Finding related to chi-square analysis.  
The chi-square test yielded a statistic of 11.083 with a corresponding p-value of 0.086. Since the p-value  
exceeds the conventional significance level of 0.05, we fail to reject the null hypothesis. Therefore, based  
on this data, there is insufficient evidence to conclude that there is a significant association between age  
group and awareness levels.  
The chi-square test resulted in a statistic of 4.399 with a corresponding p-value of  
0.111. Since the p-value exceeds the conventional significance level of 0.05, we fail to reject the null  
hypothesis. Thus, based on this data, there is insufficient evidence to conclude that there is a significant  
association between gender and awareness level.  
The chi-square test resulted in a statistic of 7.897 with a corresponding p-value of  
0.095. Since the p-value exceeds the conventional significance level of 0.05, we fail to reject the null  
hypothesis. Thus, based on this data, there is insufficient evidence to conclude that there is a significant  
association between geographical location and awareness level.  
The chi-square test statistic is 7.897 with a corresponding p-value of 0.095. Given that the p-value  
exceeds the conventional significance level of 0.05, we fail to reject the null hypothesis. Thus, based on  
this analysis, there is insufficient evidence to conclude that there is a significant association between  
geographical location and awareness level  
Suggestions:  
Small-scale farmers often face a myriad of challenges that hinder their productivity and profitability.  
Access to resources like land, capital, and modern technology is often limited, making it difficult for  
them to compete with larger agricultural operations.  
Additionally, unpredictable weather patterns and climate change can significantly impact crop yields,  
leading to financial instability.  
To address these issues, holistic support mechanisms, including financial assistance, technology transfer,  
and market access initiatives, are crucial to empower small-scale farmers and ensure sustainable  
agricultural development  
Lack of infrastructure, such as roads and storage facilities, further exacerbates these challenges by  
hindering transportation and reducing the shelf life of perishable goods.  
CONCLUSION:  
This study is done on problems and prospects in small farming. It is evident from the study that most of the  
farmers prefer mixed cropping method of irrigation preferred is drip irrigation. It is inferred from the study that  
the most common problem faced here is lack of marketing knowledge. Also, they face difficulties in adapting  
modern farming as they feel it is costly in implementing. The conversation to organic farming is possible aware  
of the government schemes so it is suggested from the study that involvement of youngsters should be increased  
in farming and facilities should be improved to market their yield.  
REFERENCE  
1. Alexandra Effenberger 36 (2), 175-205, 2012 “Income and consumption level s of small Farmers and  
Agricultural Labourers in Punjab”, Indian Journal of Regional Science, Vol.37, No.2, P.P.78-82.  
2. ANTWI, M., & SESHLODI, P. (2011). Marketing constraints facing emerging small-scale pig farmers  
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ISSN 2278-2540 | DOI: 10.51583/IJLTEMAS | Volume XIV, Issue XI, November 2025  
in Gauteng province, South Africa, Journal of Human Ecology, 36(1), 37-42.  
3. BOTHOKO, G.J.& OLADELE, O.L. (2013). Factors affecting farmers participation in agricultural  
projects in Ngaka Modiri Molema district farmers in south Africa: Factor analysis approach. African  
Journal of agricultural research 4(3), 208-214.  
4. Food and Agricultural Organization of United Nations (FAO)(2017). The future of food and agriculture-  
trends and challenges. FAO, Rome. Retrieved January 5, 2021,  
5. MATSANE, S.H.&OYEKALE, A.S. (2014). Factors Affecting Marketing of Vegetables among Small-  
Scale Farmers in Mahikeng Local Municipality, North West Province, South Africa. Mediterranean  
Journal of Social Science 5(2), 390-397,.  
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