An economic analysis of potato cultivation on marginal farms in Dhari block of Nainital district of Uttarakhand
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Date
2013-07
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G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar - 263145 (Uttarakhand)
Abstract
The study conducted in Dhari block of Nainital District in Uttarakhand was based on data collected from 60 farmers for the agricultural year 2011-12. Three stage sampling technique was employed for constructing sampling plan of the study. The first stage of sampling plan was the selection of block from the selected district, followed by selection of villages (second stage) from the selected block and selection of respondent farmers (third stage) from the selected villages to make sample of 60 farmers. The study aims at examining the cropping pattern, income and employment on potato growing farms and estimating the cost and returns, resource use efficiency and production constraints in potato cultivation. The cost of cultivation of potato was calculated using CACP concept. The results indicated that potato production was a profitable proposition on the farms in the study area. The per hectare gross return for potato was Rs. 240000. The per hectare net returns after subtracting total cost (Cost D) from gross return was found to be Rs.117204.44. Return per rupee invested was Rs.1.95. It was observed that potato was not cultivated according to the recommended package of practices. The deviation from the optimal level of resource use resulted in low productivity and efficiency of various inputs. The study revealed that constraints in potato cultivation in the study area mainly pertained to high cost of pesticides, high incidence of pest and diseases, high output price fluctuation, low output price during harvesting, lack of support of extension agencies to potato cultivation, inadequate irrigation water, inadequate availability of quality seeds, unavailability of quality pesticides, inadequate availability of labour and inadequate availability of fertilizer. Study suggests that efforts should be made for timely supply of crucial inputs at reasonable price and in adequate quantity to farmers. Farmer’s field trials, awareness campaigns on improved practices and correct method of use of inputs will also be beneficial.
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