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2014 - 20194
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Subject: Agricultural Economics × End date: 2019 × Start date: 2010 × Type: Thesis × Thesis Type: Ph.D ×
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    ECONOMICS OF FARMING SYSTEMS IN CHAMBA DISTRICT OF HIMACHAL PRADESH
    (CSKHPKV, Palampur, 2019-01-07) Sharma, Divya; Virender Kumar
    An attempt has been made in the present study to study the economics of different farming systems in Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh.Chamba district is listed as one of the backward districts in the baseline ranking of transformation of aspirational districts by NITI Aayog. In Chamba district, about 95.70 per cent of cropped area is rainfed. Thus, farming system approach is seen as a potent means of raising and stabilizing productivity and profitability levels in the rainfed agriculture. Stratified two stage random sampling technique was employed for selecting the sample households. The study was based on both primary and secondary data. Primary data were collected from 160 sample households. Further, the data were analysed by employing appropriate statistical tools in commensuration with the objectives of the study. Linear programming was employed to develop the optimum farm plans for the study area. Income approach was used for the identification of farming systems. Four farming systems were identified in the study area; cereals based farming system (FS-I), vegetables based farming system (FS-II), livestock based farming system (FS-III) and fruits based farming system (FS-IV). The results indicated that with respect to the resource use pattern in different crop groups, the negative gap was observed in existing seed use pattern for various crops ranging from 19.63 to 236.65 per cent in FS-I, 8.17 to 170.90 per cent in FS-II, 0.05 to 312.50 per cent in FS-III and 2.67 to 108.66 per cent in FS-IV. This indicated that growers were using very high seed rate on their farms. In case of fertilisers application positive gap was observed ranging from 20 to 100 per cent in FS-I, 20.06 to 89.75 per cent in FS-II, 50.10 to 100 per cent in FS-III, 70.32 to 100 per cent in FS-IV. The gap indicated that farmers were using very less fertilisers as compared to recommend doses. Productivity related to different farm enterprises was found to be low as compared to optimum yield.In the optimum plan of FS-I, Returns to Fixed Farm Resources (RFFR) were increased by ₹ 98,637 with borrowing capital limit of ₹11, 583 and labour employment was found to be 571.31 man days. In FS-II, RFFR were increased by ₹ 89,711 with borrowing capital limit of ₹ 4,263 and labour employment was found to be 558.40 man days. In FS-III, RFFR were increased by ₹ 1,42,471 having borrowing limit of ₹ 51,281 and labour employment was found to be1140.08 man days. In the optimum production plan of fruits based farming system (FSIV), the RFFR were increased by ₹ 80394 having borrowing capital limit of ₹ 6561 and labour employment was found to be 523.50 man days. Further, fragmentation of land holdings, lack of cold storage facilities, monkeys, stray animals and wild animals menace were found as major problems in the study area. The area was suitable for diversification towards cash crops through the utilization of created irrigation potential. In the study area, the application of fertilisers was very less as compared to the recommended doses. So, there was a great scope for organic farming in the study area.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    A STUDY OF CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACTING AGRARIAN ECONOMY IN WESTERN HIMALAYAS
    (CSKHPKV, Palampur, 2017-07-27) Ratna, Jayant; Chauhan, S.K.
    India in true picture represents an agrarian economy as agriculture and allied sector plays an influential role in the country’s development by providing livelihood options to more than half of its population and contributes around 17.3 per cent to the total Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country. The growth of agriculture and allied sector is witnessing a prolonged period of severe crisis and couldn’t be able to achieve its target of 4 per cent growth since last two decades. Recently, climate change has emerged as a global issue and India is likely to be more seriously affected because of the dependence of its large population on climate-sensitive sector like agriculture for the livelihood. Therefore, the present study was conducted in the state of Himachal Pradesh mainly to identify one of the most affected districts based on long term changes in climate variables and available studies in Himachal Pradesh; to analyse the impact of changes in climatic conditions on cropping patterns, livestock composition, crop-livestock productivity, insect-pest and diseases, the affordability of cost of adaptation, returns and livelihood of the farmers in the selected district; to document and validate the adaptation measures for the affected district and screening of the available crop-livestock concerning technologies and to suggest suitable changes in the agricultural research agenda and policy measures in combating the adverse effect of climate change. The study was based on both primary and secondary data. Various mathematical, statistical and econometric tools such as averages, ratios, percentages, functional techniques, non parametric and parametric tests, etc. were extensively used for the analysis of data. District Mandi showed the highest vulnerability in terms of index value of 0.535 and 0.532. Markov chain analysis revealed that the area under paddy, maize, wheat, barley and finger millet crops have decreased whereas the area under pulses, vegetables, oilseeds, fodder crops and fallow land have increased over last decade. In addition the prevalence of insect-pests and diseases were found to be increased over this decade. As far as the disease and parasite infestation on livestock is concerned, it was observed that the problem of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) has significantly decreased while proportion of common parasites (ticks, mites, lice and flea) incidence has significantly increased among cows and bullocks. The results of the regression analysis revealed that the climatic factors has positively impacted the production of most of the crops except for significant negative impact in maize (-0.4097) crop. The Benefit: Cost ratio for expected profits over cost incurred on adaptation strategies were 7.22, 1.94 and 1.75 in zone I, zone II and zone III respectively showing an expected profit to the tune of Rs 7.22, Rs 1.94 and Rs 1.75 of per rupee invested in following adaptation strategies. The inter-correlation between adaptation measures and socio-economic characteristics showed that the adaptation measures in crop production were significantly correlated with qualification of the head of the family, total land holding, irrigated cultivated land, total area under vegetables and gross returns from crop production. As far as adaptation strategies in livestock are concerned, these were found to be significantly correlated with literacy of family members, number of milch animals and gross returns from livestock showing that livestock adaptation is likely to increase with increase in gross returns and their number possessed. The awareness with respect to symptoms of climate change was reported by 49 per cent of the farmers. As many as 47 per cent of farmers could explain about the impact and causes of climate change and 37 per cent of the farmers could reveal about the climate change adaptation strategies. The awareness about climate change as well as its adaptation was more in Zone I (60 % on all farms) as compared to other high elevation zones viz. zone II and zone III of the study area. The policy recommends promotion of high yielding cultivars especially in maize crop, availability of increased area under food grains, optimum livestock and proper strategies for crop diversification planning in the study area. Irrigation water infrastructure needs to be strengthened. Besides, creation of better rural infrastructure and institutional facilities in the high altitude areas need to be developed.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    A STUDY OF CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACTING AGRARIAN ECONOMY IN WESTERN HIMALAYAS
    (CSKHPKV, Palampur, 2017-07-27) Rattan, Jayant; Chauhan, S. K.
    ABSTRACT India in true picture represents an agrarian economy as agriculture and allied sector plays an influential role in the country’s development by providing livelihood options to more than half of its population and contributes around 17.3 per cent to the total Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country. The growth of agriculture and allied sector is witnessing a prolonged period of severe crisis and couldn’t be able to achieve its target of 4 per cent growth since last two decades. Recently, climate change has emerged as a global issue and India is likely to be more seriously affected because of the dependence of its large population on climate-sensitive sector like agriculture for the livelihood. Therefore, the present study was conducted in the state of Himachal Pradesh mainly to identify one of the most affected districts based on long term changes in climate variables and available studies in Himachal Pradesh; to analyse the impact of changes in climatic conditions on cropping patterns, livestock composition, crop-livestock productivity, insect-pest and diseases, the affordability of cost of adaptation, returns and livelihood of the farmers in the selected district; to document and validate the adaptation measures for the affected district and screening of the available crop-livestock concerning technologies and to suggest suitable changes in the agricultural research agenda and policy measures in combating the adverse effect of climate change. The study was based on both primary and secondary data. Various mathematical, statistical and econometric tools such as averages, ratios, percentages, functional techniques, non parametric and parametric tests, etc. were extensively used for the analysis of data. District Mandi showed the highest vulnerability in terms of index value of 0.535 and 0.532. Markov chain analysis revealed that the area under paddy, maize, wheat, barley and finger millet crops have decreased whereas the area under pulses, vegetables, oilseeds, fodder crops and fallow land have increased over last decade. In addition the prevalence of insect-pests and diseases were found to be increased over this decade. As far as the disease and parasite infestation on livestock is concerned, it was observed that the problem of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) has significantly decreased while proportion of common parasites (ticks, mites, lice and flea) incidence has significantly increased among cows and bullocks. The results of the regression analysis revealed that the climatic factors has positively impacted the production of most of the crops except for significant negative impact in maize (-0.4097) crop. The Benefit: Cost ratio for expected profits over cost incurred on adaptation strategies were 7.22, 1.94 and 1.75 in zone I, zone II and zone III respectively showing an expected profit to the tune of Rs 7.22, Rs 1.94 and Rs 1.75 of per rupee invested in following adaptation strategies. The inter-correlation between adaptation measures and socio-economic characteristics showed that the adaptation measures in crop production were significantly correlated with qualification of the head of the family, total land holding, irrigated cultivated land, total area under vegetables and gross returns from crop production. As far as adaptation strategies in livestock are concerned, these were found to be significantly correlated with literacy of family members, number of milch animals and gross returns from livestock showing that livestock adaptation is likely to increase with increase in gross returns and their number possessed. The awareness with respect to symptoms of climate change was reported by 49 per cent of the farmers. As many as 47 per cent of farmers could explain about the impact and causes of climate change and 37 per cent of the farmers could reveal about the climate change adaptation strategies. The awareness about climate change as well as its adaptation was more in Zone I (60 % on all farms) as compared to other high elevation zones viz. zone II and zone III of the study area. The policy recommends promotion of high yielding cultivars especially in maize crop, availability of increased area under food grains, optimum livestock and proper strategies for crop diversification planning in the study area. Irrigation water infrastructure needs to be strengthened. Besides, creation of better rural infrastructure and institutional facilities in the high altitude areas need to be developed.
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF COMMERCIAL FLOWER CULTIVATION IN SIRMAUR DISTRICT OF HIMACHAL PRADESH
    (CHAUDHARY SARWAN KUMAR HIMACHAL PRADESH KRISHI VISHVAVIDYALAYA PALAMPUR, 2014) SHARMA, MANOJ KUMAR; Kumar, Ashok
    ABSTRACT The agriculture sector, the back bone of Indian economy, is facing challenges on increase in productivity and value additions. There is a need for renewed focus on identifying high value low voluminous crops to steeping up growth of allied and non-farm activities. The cultivation of commercial flowers in open and polyhouses fits well into the strategy to boost income and employ farmers gainfully. Flowers, if properly grown can yield 15-20 times more returns than cereals and other crops. Floriculture has been a major thrust area for diversification of horticulture industry in the state. In recent years, as a result of which the area under floriculture has increased from 30 hectares in 1993-94 to 154 hectares in 2000-01 to 913 hectares in 20012-13. The trade has increased from Rs 137.11 lakh in 1993-94 to Rs 99 crore during 20012-13. Nearly 2800 farmers are engaged in the cultivation of flowers. The present study was undertaken in Sirmaur district of Himachal Pradesh. The district is well known for the production of commercial flowers as it occupied 62 per cent of total area under flower cultivation of the state. The study is based upon extensive data drawn from a sample of 150 flower growers selected randomly from 3 blocks. Two markets namely Chandigarh and Delhi (Gazipur) were studied. Tabular and statistical methods were used to analyse data. The study revealed that on average farms total area under flower cultivation was 0.20 ha out of which marigold occupied maximum share of 34 per cent. It was found that chrysanthemum use maximum human labour whereas, quantity of FYM, Chemical fertilizers and expenditure on plant protection material was found maximum in case of carnation. Tractor hours and bullock pair days were found to be maximum in chrysanthemum and marigold respectively. The gross returns and net returns were found to be maximum in carnation followed by gladiolus, chrysanthemum and marigold. Maximum technological gap for FYM and chemical fertilizer was found in chrysanthemum, whereas, overuse of labour was found in gladiolus. The study revealed that marketed surplus varied from 99 to 97 per cent whereas, marketed surplus varied from 96 to 97 per cent. The study revealed that six marketing channels were followed by the farmers in the study area. The direct retailing to consumers was found to be the most efficient channel that needs to be popularised by setting farmers’ markets. The Nerlovian price expectation model revealed that there was a significant effect of the lagged area on the acreage under selected flower crops expect for chrysanthemum. However, for gladiolus and chrysanthemum lagged price also affect the acreage under selected flower crops significantly. The result revealed that the farmers were slow in adjusting the acreage with price which varies from 55 years for carnation, 17 years for marigold, 8 years for gladiolus and 2 years for chrysanthemum. No significant difference was observed between problems of small and large farmers indicate that both faced these problems in same severity.