Supply Chain Survey of the Fig Fruit Ecosystem

Project Introduction

The Fig Cultivation Survey Report, conducted by TeamFRF, Pune, aimed to assess the status of fig farming in Maharashtra, focusing on Daund and Purandar talukas. The study examined challenges related to cultivation, market access, and storage to determine economic feasibility and demand. By analyzing farming methods and profitability, the report identifies key areas for improvement. The findings will support the adoption of best practices, enhance profitability, and promote sustainable fig farming. The goal is to provide actionable insights for farmers, policymakers, and stakeholders in the fig supply chain.

Way of Analysis

The survey covered 100 fig farmers from five villages in Daund and Purandar talukas, using structured interviews and field visits. A detailed questionnaire with 41 questions was designed to capture data on farming techniques, irrigation, market access, and financial viability. The collected data was analyzed using statistical methods, including percentage calculations and graphical representations. This approach helped identify trends, highlight critical gaps, and suggest potential solutions. The findings provide a comprehensive understanding of the current fig farming ecosystem.

Key Findings

The study reveals that 62% of farmers cultivate figs on small farms of around one acre, and 81% produce 5-6 tons per season. Despite this, 57.6% sell at market yards, but 51.5% express distrust in middlemen, showing a need for direct marketing channels. Irrigation practices are outdated, with 70.4% relying on flood irrigation and 89% depending on well water, highlighting inefficiencies. Post-harvest management remains weak, as 90.7% of farmers do not engage in value-added processing, missing opportunities for dried fig production. These gaps indicate the need for better irrigation, cooperative marketing, and storage improvements.

Conclusion

The survey highlights that fig farming in Maharashtra has significant potential, but challenges like post-harvest losses, market dependency, and outdated irrigation methods reduce profitability. Encouraging efficient irrigation, improved storage, and direct market access can enhance farmer earnings. Value-added processing, such as dried fig production, presents an opportunity to boost income and reduce reliance on intermediaries. Strengthening cooperative networks and storage infrastructure will further support sustainability. Addressing these challenges through modern practices will create a more resilient and profitable fig farming ecosystem.