Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur

The history of agricultural education in Kerala can be traced back to the year 1896 when a scheme was evolved in the erstwhile Travancore State to train a few young men in scientific agriculture at the Demonstration Farm, Karamana, Thiruvananthapuram, presently, the Cropping Systems Research Centre under Kerala Agricultural University. Agriculture was introduced as an optional subject in the middle school classes in the State in 1922 when an Agricultural Middle School was started at Aluva, Ernakulam District. The popularity and usefulness of this school led to the starting of similar institutions at Kottarakkara and Konni in 1928 and 1931 respectively. Agriculture was later introduced as an optional subject for Intermediate Course in 1953. In 1955, the erstwhile Government of Travancore-Cochin started the Agricultural College and Research Institute at Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram and the College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences at Mannuthy, Thrissur for imparting higher education in agricultural and veterinary sciences, respectively. These institutions were brought under the direct administrative control of the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Animal Husbandry, respectively. With the formation of Kerala State in 1956, these two colleges were affiliated to the University of Kerala. The post-graduate programmes leading to M.Sc. (Ag), M.V.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees were started in 1961, 1962 and 1965 respectively. On the recommendation of the Second National Education Commission (1964-66) headed by Dr. D.S. Kothari, the then Chairman of the University Grants Commission, one Agricultural University in each State was established. The State Agricultural Universities (SAUs) were established in India as an integral part of the National Agricultural Research System to give the much needed impetus to Agriculture Education and Research in the Country. As a result the Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) was established on 24th February 1971 by virtue of the Act 33 of 1971 and started functioning on 1st February 1972. The Kerala Agricultural University is the 15th in the series of the SAUs. In accordance with the provisions of KAU Act of 1971, the Agricultural College and Research Institute at Vellayani, and the College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, were brought under the Kerala Agricultural University. In addition, twenty one agricultural and animal husbandry research stations were also transferred to the KAU for taking up research and extension programmes on various crops, animals, birds, etc. During 2011, Kerala Agricultural University was trifurcated into Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (KVASU), Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS) and Kerala Agricultural University (KAU). Now the University has seven colleges (four Agriculture, one Agricultural Engineering, one Forestry, one Co-operation Banking & Management), six RARSs, seven KVKs, 15 Research Stations and 16 Research and Extension Units under the faculties of Agriculture, Agricultural Engineering and Forestry. In addition, one Academy on Climate Change Adaptation and one Institute of Agricultural Technology offering M.Sc. (Integrated) Climate Change Adaptation and Diploma in Agricultural Sciences respectively are also functioning in Kerala Agricultural University.

Browse

Search Results

Now showing 1 - 9 of 69

Open Access
Impact of prominent KAU rice varities on the economic status of farmers in Kerala and Karnataka
(Department of Agricultural Economics, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2016) Dhruthiraj, B S; KAU; Chitra Parayil
The present study entitled “Impact of prominent KAU rice varieties on the economic status of farmers in Kerala and Karnataka” was conducted with the objectives of working out the costs and returns of prominent rice varieties, Jyothi and Uma, released from KAU, to find out the relationship between varietal adoption and net farm income, to identify specific reasons for adoption of KAU varieties and to analyze profitability of the KAU varieties in the states of Kerala and Karnataka by comparing with with local non-KAU varieties cultivated by farmers. The survey was conducted by collecting both primary data and secondary data. The area of study were major rice growing districts of Kerala (Palakkad and Alappuzha) and Karnataka (Mysore and Mandya). These districts were selected on the basis of prominence in adoption of rice varieties released from KAU. The primary data were collected by means of pre-tested interview schedule. The farmers in the study area were categorized into two groups on the basis of variety grown as: KAU variety adopting farmers and local popular non KAU variety adopting farmers. Forty farmers each cultivating at least one acre and adopting KAU variety and 40 farmers cultivating a local popular non-KAU variety were randomly selected and surveyed in each state making a total sample size of 160. The cost-return structure was worked out both for KAU and non KAU variety production using cost concepts. The average cost of cultivation (Cost C2) of KAU varieties was found to be lesser in Palakkad (Rs.73,213 per hectare) compared to Karnataka (Rs.75,731 per hectare ) and Alappuzha (Rs. 81,915 per hectare) and in case of local non KAU varieties, the average cost of cultivation was Rs.83,981 per hectare, Rs.83,634 per hectare and Rs.94,526 per hectare in Karnataka, Palakkad and Alappuzha respectively. The net income obtained by cultivating KAU varieties was found to be higher in Palakkad (Rs.48, 143 per hectare), followed by Alappuzha (26,356 per hectare) and Karnataka (Rs.11, 746 per hectare. The benefit – cost ratio (BCR) at the C2 and explicit cost level was found to be positive for KAU varieties in both the states. This implies that cultivation of KAU varieties was profitable for farmers in both the states. Garrett ranking technique was used to determine the reasons for adoption of KAU varieties. The possible reasons for adoption of KAU varieties in Karnataka were identified as high market price, high yield potential, high tillering capacity and resistance to pests and diseases while in Kerala, Farmers highlighted high yield potential, high market price, high tillering capacity, suitability, to the location, consumption purpose, resistance to pests and diseases and short duration of the variety as major reasons for adoption. Probit model was used to find out the factors affecting adoption of KAU rice varieties. In Kerala, Organizational membership and gross income of the farmers while in Karnataka, education, organizational membership, area and gross income of the farmers were identified as the major factors affecting the adoption of KAU varieties. The average cost of cultivation (cost C2) for seed production of KAU varieties was found to be higher in Karnataka (Rs. 88,176 per hectare), compared to Kerala (Rs.86, 355 per hectare). The average gross income was found to be higher in Kerala (Rs.1, 56,223 per hectare) compared to Karnataka (Rs.1, 17,513 per hectare). The net income at cost C2 was found to be positive for both the states whereas the amount was found to be higher in Kerala was compared to Karnataka. The marketing channels identified Kerala were Channel 1: Farmer- Supplyco - Rice millers - Public distribution system (PDS) – Consumers, Channel 2: Farmer - Rice millers – Retailers- Consumers and Channel 3: Farmer- Middlemen- Rice milers - Retailers - Consumers. The marketing channels identified in Karnataka were Channel 1: Farmer – Rice milers- Kerala marketing channels identified in Karnataka were Channel 1: Farmer - Rice millers- Kerala rice market - Wholesaler/Local trader - Retailer -Consumer, Channel 2: Farmer - Local trader – Kerala rice market- Rice millers -Retailer - Consumer, Channel 3: Farmer - Kerala rice market - Wholesaler/Rice millers/Local agents – Retailers - Consumers, Channel 4: Farmer - APMC -middlemen -Kerala rice market - Wholesaler/Rice millers/Local agents - Retailers - Consumer. For both KAU and non KAU rice varieties, labour cost accounted for highest share in the cost A1 components in both the states; therefore, efforts have to be made for mechanizing paddy cultivation. Also initiatives have to be taken to attract the younger generation towards agriculture and more importantly paddy cultivation.
Open Access
Price behaviour of nendran banana in Kerala: an economic analysis
(Department of Agriculture Economics, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2019) Shana, K K; KAU; Jesy Thomas, K
India is the leading producer of banana in the world with an annual production of 30 million tons from 0.8 million hectares (2017-18). Nendran is one of the most important commercial varieties of banana grown in Kerala, occupying about 50 per cent of the total area under banana. Wide fluctuations have been observed in the price of Nendran, resulting in income variability of farmers. Hence the present study has been carried out with the objectives of analysing the price behaviour and volatility in prices of Nendran banana in Kerala. The study was mainly based on secondary data collected from the major markets of Kozhikode, Ernakulam, and Thiruvananthapuram. Trend analysis was carried out to understand the growth in area, production and productivity of banana both at national and state levels from 1980-81 to 2017-18. In India, the area, production and productivity of banana showed a significant growth. The area and production in Kerala showed an increasing trend but the productivity was found decreasing. Even with a growth in area of 4.83 per cent, the production increased only by 1.27 per cent due to the negative growth rate of -3.4 per cent in productivity per annum. The price behaviour of Nendran banana in major markets of Kerala viz., Kozhikode, Ernakulam, and Thiruvananthapuram for a duration of 16 years (20032018) was analyzed by decomposing the monthly price data into four components such as secular trend, seasonal variation, cyclical variation and irregular variation assuming a multiplicative model. Prices in all the three markets showed increasing trend. The seasonal variation of Nendran banana price in the markets showed a similar pattern, with peak price in the month of August because of increased demand during Onam season. Price cycles with length varying from six to seven years were noted in the market price. xix Pairwise and multiple co-integration analysis of Nendran banana prices in the above markets were carried out after confirming the stationarity of price series using Augmented Dickey Fuller (ADF) test. The results showed that the markets were integrated, inferring the presence of price association among the markets. In order to provide additional evidence as to whether and in which direction price transmission occurred, Granger causality test was carried out and the existence of unidirectional causality from Kozhikode market to Ernakulam market and from Thiruvananthapuram market to Kozhikode and Ernakulam markets was proved. Correlation co-efficient between monthly market arrivals and prices of Nendran banana in Kozhikode, Ernakulam, and Thiruvananthapuram markets from 2013 to 2018 was computed to evaluate the pattern of association between them. In all the three markets, the prices and quantity of arrivals were found to be negatively correlated implying that prices decreased with increase in arrival of Nendran banana. The variability in Nendran banana arrivals and prices was studied computing the coefficient of variation and maximum variability in arrivals was found in Ernakulam market (42.52 per cent) and maximum variability in prices was found in Thiruvananthapuram market (24.41 per cent). Intra-annual volatility and inter-annual volatility of monthly prices of Nendran banana from 2003 to 2018 were estimated and the prices were found to be highly volatile. The intra-annual volatility showed no distinct pattern in all the three markets. The magnitude of inter-annual volatility was decreasing throughout and the divergence between the volatility of prices were found to be decreasing towards the latter end. Instability in annual prices worked out using suitable indices showed that prices in Thiruvananthapuram market were more volatile than other markets as it was influenced by prices in the markets of Tamil Nadu. xx Major constraints identified in the study area were wide fluctuations in prices, high labour and transportation costs, unavailability of institutional credit and lack of reliable information about prices. Price fluctuations and volatility creates uncertainty in the planting and marketing decisions of the farmer. Unavailability of reliable price information makes marketing difficult and farmers become more vulnerable to price risk. Therefore, suitable strategies for developing market intelligence for Nendran banana including price forecasting and provision to farmers, price stabilization through year round procurement and introduction of support price were suggested as policy interventions.
Open Access
Water crisis in Coastal area: Domestic adaptation strategies and impact on agriculture sector
(Department of Agriculture Economics, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2019) Swathy Sugathan, P; KAU; Indira Devi, P
Despite rich endowments of water resources, availability of water in Kerala is dwindling and inadequate for the growing population. Several regions in the state experience seasonal drought like condition, every year. The coastal areas of Kerala become most vulnerable region with respect to water scarcity due to quantitative and qualitative aspects. The study on ‘Water crisis in coastal areas: domestic adaptation strategies and impact on agriculture sector’ was undertaken in this background in coastal areas of Thrissur district in Kerala. The main objectives of the study were to analyse the dimensions of water scarcity and the level of understanding of the same among coastal communities and to identify the strategies to address the issue. Further, economic burden on households were estimated and the impact of scarcity on agriculture sector was also analysed. The study was conducted in Chavakkad, Thalikulam, Mathilakam, and Kodungallur regions of Thrissur district by a two stage random sampling of 120 respondents. The study was based on both primary and secondary data and the data was analysed using statistical tools like descriptive analysis, regression analysis, scaling technique and Shannon-Wiener diversity index. The major water sources in the study area were own sources such as wells, ponds, and public sources like house connections and public taps. Wells are the major source for domestic sector and ponds serve the irrigation purpose. The volume of water in the wells, which was a major water source in the region, declined by an average of 62 per cent by summer season. Thus, the dependence on dug wells for household consumption reduced to 27 per cent, compared to monsoon season (77 per cent). This was also due to the water quality problems, in certain cases. The water quality issues in the area was reflected as colour change, odour, salinity and hardness. Aquatic weeds was reported as a major threat in the coastal belt. Correspondingly, the average household water consumption level also declined. The volume of water in the well and family size influenced the household consumption. Coconut based cropping system was prevalent in the study area with arecanut and banana as major intercrops. Ponds were the major source of irrigation water. Most of the farms were irrigated (40 per cent) at an interval of three days. In regions of severe water scarcity, an irrigation schedule of once in ten days (15 per cent of the farms) was followed. The decision to irrigate the farm was significantly influenced by number of water sources and agricultural income. The irrigation investment amounted to `33,781 per ha per year which constituted 45 per cent of cost of cultivation while accommodating the fixed cost component. Most of the respondents reported a gradual reduction in agricultural yield over the years and 60 per cent respondents attribute it to water scarcity. Digging new ponds, installation of efficient pumpsets, roof water harvesting and filtering of water for domestic purpose were the adaptation strategies opted by the farmers to address the water scarcity. Farming experience was proved to be the most influential factor that determined the adaptation behaviour. The study brings out results that suggest policy interventions for implementing rain water recharge efforts and scientific water quality monitoring system in Kodungallur and Mathilakam regions where water quality problems were more severe. Simultaneously water resource conservation strategies, as well as models developed by KAU for improving crop diversity are to be popularised.
Open Access
Performance analysis of agro-processing self-help groups in Thrissur district
(Department of Agricultural Economics, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2007) Lina, Joy; KAU; Prema, A
The present study on the "Performance analysis of agro-processing Self Help Groups in Thrissur district” was conducted to study the functioning of Self help Groups (SHGs), to identify the factors determining effective functioning and to study the constraints faced by the SHGs and provide suggestions for effective functioning. The study was taken up among Swarnajayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojna (SGSY) SHGs in Thrissur district. Five blocks having maximum percentage of agro-processing SHGs were selected. The activities undertaken by the agro-processing SHGs were classified under four groups i.e. fish processing, copra processing, powder making and ready to eat items making Group characteristics as the indicators of performance studied were group cohesion, group decision-making, group leadership, team spirit and maintenance of records. Copra processing unit obtained the highest rank in group characteristics. Profile characteristics studied were information seeking behaviour, innovativeness, risk orientation, economic motivation, management orientation, attitude towards self employment, knowledge about processing and market perception Powder making units were having the highest rank in profile characters Non performing groups showed the lowest score in both the group characteristics and in the profile characteristics Correlation analysis between group and profile characteristics revealed that management orientation was the major socio-economic variable affecting the group performance. Marketing channel for all the categories showed the lack of adequate forward and backward linkages. All the categories marketed their products within the district only. Packaging and traveling expense were the main items of the marketing cost Lack of common retail outlet for SHG products was the major constraint faced by SHGs in their marketing Cost of material input and labour cost were the main items in working capital of each category The copra processing units were having highest BC ratio (2.26) BC ratio of all the performing units were more than unity which indicated that all the units studied were running in profit The units were receiving a subsidy of 50 percent loan taken and they also received Rs10000 as revolving fund. All the units studied were having more than Rs 30,000 as thrift. The major constraints faced by the SHGs were the lack of concession regarding lending rate and lack of any aid from panchayat.
Open Access
Investment pattern in rural households of Ollukkara Block Panchayath in Thrissur District
(Department of Agricultural Economics, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2002) Pratheesh, V.S.; KAU; Thomas, E.K.
Agriculture which is the back bone of Indian economy, is now heading towards a radical transformation. When the green revolution technology was introduced in the mid sixties, great expectations were raised as to the beneficial effects it could induce into every class of farmers and other sectors of the populations by increasing food production, employment opportunities and income levels. But its latter day performances have belied these expectations and it seemed that only those who have necessary absorptive capacity or infrastructure are only benefited. So for the betterment of agriculture there should be more and more investment both in the public and private sector. Under these circumstances the present study entitled "Investment Pattern in rural households of Ollukkara block panchayath in Thrissur district" is of high relevance and was conducted with the following objectives. 1. To study the different sources of income of rural people 2. To examine the savings and expenditure pattern 3. To analyze the nature of investment 4. To identify the constraints associated with investment in rural areas. The study was conducted in the sample selected at random from 50 numbers of Agricultural labourers, farmers and service sector people from the five wards selected from the total 74 wards in the Ollukkara block panchayath of Thrissur district. The data for the agricultural year 2001-2002 were collected using a well structured interview schedule. The study revealed that the mainsource of farm income in farmers and service sector people was crops where as for labourers it was livestock. On an average 81. 9 5 per cent of the total farm income was directed from the crops and only 18,95 was from livestock. Category wise analysis showed that net income and benefit cost ratio were much higher for labourer households and lowest for service sector people. 141 At the aggregate level, consumption expenditure accounted for 78.91 per cent, and the rest 21.09 per cent was for farm expenditure. Of the total, 78.09 per cent of farm expenditure was incurred for crops and only 21.91 per cent was made for livestock. The Category wise analysis showed that per household savings was highest for the service sector people followed by farmers and labourers. With respect to the gross farm investment, purchase of livestock was the most important item of investment followed by investment on land improvement, purchase of irrigation appliances, construction and repair of farm buildings and digging and repair of wells. The average rate of farm investment was only 1.53 per cent while the non farm investment was at the rate of 5.41 per cent. Lack of employment, High cost of living, and high loan out standing were reported as the most important constraint for investment along with constraints like non availability of labour, lack of irrigation etc.
Open Access
Integrated pest management in rice production: resource use efficiency and relative economics
(Department of Agricultural Economics, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2005) Saijyothi, D; KAU; Indira Devi, P
The present study entitled Integrated Pest Management in rice production: resource use efficiency and relative economics, was conducted in Kuttanad region of Kerala, India with the specific objectives of evaluating the economics of IPM technology over the traditional practice and to assess the resource use efficiency. The study pertaining to the summer crop in the area (November 2004 to February 2005) was undertaken during March to July 2005 A sample of 70 farmers each from IPM and Non-IPM category were selected by conducting a preliminary survey to categorise the farmers under each group. The production details of paddy were gathered from both the groups using a pretested structured questionnaire by personal interview method. The management under IPM programme starts from the very beginning of the crop calendar, starting with the varietal selection, its source, seed rate and method of planting. Though both types of farms were sowing only recommended varieties, seed rate was much above the recommended level in the case of non IPM group and they primarily relied on farm saved seeds. It was the reverse in the case of IPM farms. The level of application of fertilizers and soil ameliorants was lower in the case of IPM farms. Among the various inputs in crop production, labour was the most important single item of expenditure in paddy production. The total labour use in IPM farms was found to be 75 man-days per hectare i.e., 5.63 per cent higher than that of Non-IPM farms (71 man days per hectare). This is primarily due to the additional labour required in IPM farms for weeding (due to lesser amount of weedicide use), land preparation (additional ploughing), harvesting (higher yield) and IPM measures. Thus the total expenditure on seeds and sowing, fertilizer application and plant protection charges were 67.15 per cent higher in the Non-IPM group. Contrary to this, the expenditure on land preparation, weeding and harvesting operations together, were 11.93 per cent higher in IPM group. Total cost of cultivation was estimated as 5.07 per cent higher in Non-IPM group (Rs31536/ha) compared to IPM group (Rs 29841/ha) Apart from the cost saving, relatively higher yield (45.23 quintals per hectare) was also there in IPM farms compared to the other group.(44.46 quintals per hectare). The partial budgeting analysis have revealed that the cost saving coupled with higher yield realization in IPM farms has resulted in an additional net private gain in income to the tune of Rs 2824 per hectare Benefit cost ratio at Cost A1 was estimated as 1.85 (Non-IPM) and it was 2.06 for IPM farms inferring rice cultivation under IPM, as more beneficial than chemical based cultivation. At cost C3 level, the non IPM groups were more prone to risk as the BC Ratio was very close to unity Cobb-Douglas production function was fitted to assess the efficiency of resource use in paddy cultivation for both IPM and Non-IPM farms. It could be concluded that IPM farms were economically more efficient in resource utilization than the Non-IPM counter parts. Though most of the farmers were aware of the potential hazards of excessive chemical use in agriculture, and got exposed to adequate training, the spread of the technology is constrained by factors like, the perception of a yield loss, difficulties in water management and labour problems. But those who have adopted the technology was found to be aware of the short-term nature of yield reduction and cost saving aspects of the technology. The policy suggestions are made based on the findings and future line of work is also suggested.
Open Access
Price behaviour of natural rubber in India.
(Department of Agricultural Economics, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2011) Reeja, Varghese; KAU; Satheesh Babu, K
Natural rubber, a product of vital commercial importance is recovered from the latex of the rubber tree, Hevea braziliensis. The present study entitled “Price behaviour of natural rubber in India” was conducted during 2010-11 based on the secondary data. The changes in area, production and productivity status of natural rubber in the world, India and Kerala were studied using the index numbers and compound growth rates. The compound growth rates in area, production and productivity of natural rubber in India were below the global growth rates, while that of Kerala was above the national level. India is emerging as the second largest consumer of natural rubber in the world. Consumption status of natural rubber in India showed that there is a growing deficit between domestic production and consumption of natural rubber in India. India was not a regular exporter of natural rubber, and therefore considerable fluctuations were observed in the export status depending on the domestic production level. The deficit in demand was met by imports. The import of natural rubber by Indian automobile industries grew annually by 12.37 per cent during the study period. The secular, seasonal, cyclical and irregular variations in rubber prices were studied using the techniques of classical decomposition of time series analysis. The trend in rubber prices in the domestic market at Kottayam and international market at Bangkok were captured by the single exponential smoothing model satisfactorily. The analysis showed that the RSS-4 prices in the Bangkok as well as the Kottayam markets were stagnant from January 1995 to April 2001, after which the prices showed an upward trend. The rubber prices were subjected to considerable seasonal variations due to the seasonality in production. In the international market, the peak price was observed in June and the trough price during the month of July, whereas in Kottayam market, the peak price was observed during May and the lowest price in the month of February. The rubber prices in the international as well as domestic markets were not subjected to pronounced price cycles. There were considerable irregular variations in rubber prices in both the markets. The rubber prices exhibited considerable instability in both the markets. Out of the different price forecasting models used to develop a reliable price forecasting model, the artificial neural network (ANN) model was found to be more reliable for predicting the price of RSS-4 in Kottayam market. However, no model could capture the underlying dynamics of rubber prices in the international market at Bangkok satisfactorily. The export competitiveness of Indian natural rubber was measured using nominal protection coefficient (NPC) under exportable hypothesis. It was found that Indian natural rubber was not export competitive during the study period. The market integration studies showed that Kottayam and Bangkok markets were integrated and there was a unidirectional influence of Bangkok market on the prices of natural rubber in Kottayam market, while the influence of Kottayam market on Bangkok market could not be established. The policy interventions suggested based on the study include efforts to increase the area under natural rubber in the non traditional rubber growing areas like North Eastern states, evolving technologies for enhancing the productivity of natural rubber in India to increase the income of farmers per unit cultivated area, improved tapping techniques to extend the tapping days, and to develop a multivariate price forecasting model. A reliable, regional market intelligence system for the natural rubber growers in the country to provide timely and reliable market information and intelligence is also suggested.
Open Access
Economic Analysis Of Production And Marketing Of Mushrooms
(Department of Agricultural Economics, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2000) Renjith Raja, R; KAU; Elsamma Job
The present study entitled the Economics of Production and Marketing of Mushroom was undertaken during the year 1999-2000. This study was conducted in Thiruvananthapuram district. This district was purposely selected for the study because mushroom growmg units on commercial basis are well established ill Thiruvananthapuram district. A sample of 100 growers who maintained contact with the training centres was selected. Each farmer was interviewed personally. Among the 100 sample farmers 36 were cultivating mushrooms and the remaining had given up cultivation. All the mushroom growers were post-stratified on the basis of nature of investment into Category-I (Temporary upto Rs.15000 ), Category-IT (Semi-permanent Rs.15000-25000) and Category-Ill (Permanent above Rs.25000) Tabular analysis was used to study the socio-economic features, to estimate the cost and returns, marketing cost and margins of mushrooms. Cost concepts were used to estimate the income measures. At aggregate level the total cost incurred for cultivation of mushroom was Rs. 8167.83. Material inputs accounted for about 82.85 per cent of the total working capital requirement for the sample as a whole. Hired labour component was absent in category-I. At aggregate level this accounted for 17.15 per cent total working capital requirement. Total working capital requirement for mushroom production was Rs. 3738.51. As compared to males, females were more in the working force, which shows the women's participation in mushroom cultivation. Explicit costs accounted for 45.77 percent of the total cost. Implicit cost accounted for 54.23 per cent of the total cost. Cost A], Bj, Cl, and C3 per crop cycle for the sample as a whole was Rs. 4144.95, Rs. 4522.91, Rs. 1425.30 and Rs. 8167.83. The total working capital requirement for producing 1 kilogram of spawn was Rs. 12.83. Explicit cost accounted for 71.60 per cent of the total cost. Implicit cost accounted for 28.40 per cent of the total cost. Cost AI, B), Cl, and C3 per kilogram' of spawn Rs. 14.25, Rs. 14.49, and Rs. 16.29, 17.92 respectively. Gross income from mushroom for the sample as a whole was Rs. 12118.60. Gross income from spawn production was Rs. 40.00 for one kilogram of , spawn. Farm business income was Rs. 7973.65 for mushroom production and farm business income of spawn was Rs 25.75. For the sample as a whole the family labour income was Rs. 7595.69. and Rs. 25.51 in the case of spawn production .. The net income from mushrooms was Rs. 3950.77 and from spawn production it was Rs. 22.08. Farm investment income was Rs. 4328.73 and Rs. 22.32 for mushrooms and spawn production. The Benefit-Cost ratio was 1.48. The operating ratio which represents the efficiency of variable costs was 0.31. Aggregate fixed ratio was 0.21. The Benefit-Cost ratio in spawn production was 2.23. The operating ratio was 0.32. Fixed ratio was 0.08 Cobb Douglas production function fitted with returns (rupees) as dependent variable and expenditure on inputs like straw, spawn and labour as independent variables revealed that additional expenditure on straw and spawn could increase the output. The input human labour was found to be in' excess use. The most important marketing channel identified for mushroom was . , Producer-Consumer. Producers share in consumer rupee was 75 per cent. The retailer reaped a net margin of25 per cent for which they did not incurred any cost. The major constraint faced by mushroom growers in production was low yield due to incidence of pest and diseases and among the marketing problems the major constraint identified was lack of awareness among consumers.
Open Access
Economics analysis of rice - fish sequential farming system In the low lying paddy fields of Kuttanad,Kerala
(Department of Agricultural Economics, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2001) Shanat Mathew, K; KAU; Joseph, K J
The present study on "Economic analysis of rice-fish sequential farming system in the low lying paddy fields of Kuttanad, Kerala" was aimed to analyse comparative economics of rice monocropping and rice-fish sequential farming systems, to quantity the employment generation capacity of the integrated system and to identify the constraints in the wide spread adoption of rice-fish sequential farming system. The study was undertaken during May - July 2000 and the data pertains to the year 1999. Data for the study was generated through sample survey of farmers by personal interview method using a pretested structured interview schedule. The study was conducted with a sample of 100 farmers for each system of cultivation. Two stage random sampling was adopted for the study. Tabular analysis was used to analyse the data. The cost of cultivation (cost C3) of rice under monocropping (Rs.23419.47 per hectare) and of rice under sequential farming system (Rs.1972S.31 per hectare) Was estimated. For fish, the cost of cultivation per hectare was Rs.6768.39. The major expenditure on input for rice cultivation under both systems and for fish was human labour. In rice monocropping, land preparation was observed to be the most expensive operation, whereas, in sequential farming weeding was the most expensive operation. In the case of fish cultivation, harvesting of fish turned out to be the most cost consuming operation. Gross income per hectare realized from the main as well as by product at the aggregate level was Rs.2S252.50, Rs.28371.00, and Rs.8782.95 for rice (monocropping), rice (sequential farming) and fish respectively. Cost of production per quintal of rice (monocropping) was Rs.64S.16 and for rice (sequential farming) was Rs.482.0S. For fish, cost of production per quintal of fish estimated to be Rs.1538.62. Benefi t cost ratio at cost C3 was found to be highest (1.44) in the rice cultivation under sequential farming. The corresponding figures for rice monocropping and fish were 1.08 and 1.30 respectively. This new system could provide on additional employment of 14.31 mandays per hectare. Even though this new integrated systems was profitable, lack of finance and non co-operation among farmers to an extend hinder the adoption of this practice. The major constraints experienced by the farmers in the cultivation were also identified.

Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur

Browse

Thesis Type

Type

Author

Date

Subject

Rating Count

Search Results