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Abstract
The study aimed to explore and rank the constraints experienced by members of Padasekhara Samithis, the collectives of paddy farmers in Kerala. The research focused on Palakkad district, which was chosen due to its high concentration of Padasekhara Samithis. From Palakkad district, Erimayur and Kizhakkanchery grama panchayats from Alathur block and Kuzhalmannam and Mathur grama panchayats from Kuzhalmannam block were selected for the study. Data was collected from 180 farmers selected from the study area during April-May 2024. Primary data were obtained through a pretested well-structured interview schedule which was validated by a pilot survey prior to the main study. To prioritise the constraints identified by the farmers, Garrett's ranking technique was employed. The findings revealed four major constraints: the shortage of labour, a lack of coordination among members, inconsistency in cultivation and farming practices and issues related to poor leadership. These issues were associated with factors such as shifting of labourers from agricultural to non-agricultural jobs, the diverse interests of members and the incomplete adoption of group farming methods. By shedding light on these constraints, this study provided valuable insights for improving the effectiveness of Padasekhara Samithis. The findings are crucial for policymakers looking to enhance the sustainability and efficiency of group farming efforts in Kerala, ultimately helping farmers overcome constraints and improve their livelihoods.