Farmer Satisfaction with Credit Sources in Mango Production: Evidence from Uttar Pradesh, India

Abstract

Agriculture remains a vital sector of the Indian economy, supporting nearly two-thirds of the rural population and ensuring food & nutritional security.
Within horticulture, mango (Mangifera indica L.) holds significant economic and cultural importance. Uttar Pradesh, particularly the Malihabad region, is a main
mango-producing belt, widely known for the Dashehari variety. This study examines the impact of credit satisfaction on mango production in Lucknow district. A
purposive sampling technique was used to select the Lucknow district and the Malihabad block due to their prominence in mango cultivation. Out of 100 villages,
seven were selected randomly. A total of 238 mango growers, each with at least 100 bearing trees, were included in the study. Primary data were collected during the
agricultural year 2023–2024. Descriptive and inferential statistical tools, including ANOVA, were applied for analysis. The results indicate that mango growers rely on
both institutional (commercial banks, regional rural banks, credit societies) and non-institutional sources (moneylenders, relatives and friends, commission agents, preharvest contractors) for credit. Mean satisfaction levels across grower categories, owner-cultivators, owner-lessors and lease-in growers are broadly similar. However,
ANOVA results reveal statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) in satisfaction across most credit sources, except pre-harvest contractors. Informal sources show
relatively higher satisfaction due to flexibility and accessibility, while formal institutions exhibit comparatively lower satisfaction, likely due to procedural complexities
and delays. The study concludes that although credit is essential for enhancing productivity and income, disparities in satisfaction highlight structural inefficiencies.
Strengthening institutional credit systems, improving accessibility and promoting value chain financing are crucial for sustainable growth in the mango sector. This
study links SDG 1, 2, 8 and 10 by examining how credit access affects mango productivity, farmer income, rural livelihoods and financial inclusion, highlighting
disparities between formal and informal credit sources.