International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development
2025, Vol. 8, Issue 9, Part I
Case study of Kattha industry owner in South Konkan
VD Ingawale Deshmukh, Dr. SC Warwadekar, Dr. AD Rane, Dr. DP Hardikar, Dr. GR Uike and RB Kayande
The Kattha industry, based on Acacia catechu, represents a traditional yet commercially significant Agro-forest enterprise in Maharashtra. The present study was conducted in the South Konkan region, focusing on four representative Kattha industries located in Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts. The primary objectives were to identify the key problems faced by industry owners, understand their prospects, and document their suggestions for sustainability. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, direct observation, and focused group discussions with owners and workers, and analyzed using frequency and percentage methods.
Findings revealed that Labour shortage, fluctuating raw material prices, and regulatory complications emerged as major constraints. A total of 100 per cent of respondents reported challenges of licensing confusion during the transition from the Forest Department to the Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC), along with fluctuating prices and risk of fungal damage to raw wood. Financial hurdles, particularly high initial investment for modernization, were reported by 50 per cent of respondents. On the other hand, owners expressed optimism regarding Agro-climatic suitability for Khair plantation, rising market demand, and new business-friendly licensing under APMC. Suggested measures included khair plantation promotion (50 per cent), improved packaging (100 per cent), by-product management (75 per cent), and establishment of drying and storage facilities (50 per cent).
The study concludes that with appropriate policy support, technology adoption, and cooperative frameworks, Kattha industries in South Konkan can evolve into sustainable and profitable rural enterprises.
VD Ingawale Deshmukh, Dr. SC Warwadekar, Dr. AD Rane, Dr. DP Hardikar, Dr. GR Uike, RB Kayande. Case study of Kattha industry owner in South Konkan. Int J Agric Extension Social Dev 2025;8(9):610-612. DOI: 10.33545/26180723.2025.v8.i9i.2470
