IMPACT OF PROTECTED CULTIVATION TECHNOLOGY ON VEGETABLE PRODUCTION AND AGRI-ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN MID HILL ZONE OF HIMACHAL PRADESH
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Date
2023-12-20
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UHF,NAUNI
Abstract
ABSTRACT
The study on “Impact of Protected Cultivation Technology on Vegetable Production and
Agri-Entrepreneurship in Mid Hill Zone of Himachal Pradesh” was examined during 2022-23. Mixed
sampling design was used to select the respondents from Mandi and Solan districts of mid hill zone of HP to
select a sample of 240 growers. The selected farmers were classified as marginal (<1 ha), small (1-2 ha) and
medium (2-4 ha). The polyhouses were categorized as small (upto 250 m2), medium (251-500 m2) and large
(501-1000 m2) polyhouses. Both primary and secondary data were collected and utilised for the study. Statistical
tools, economic analysis using CACP concepts, break even analysis, propensity score matching, regression
adjustment model, entrepreneurial behavior index, Kendall’s tau correlation, regression model, Garrett’s
ranking, chi square and response priority index were employed in the study. Socio – economic analysis of the
both protected and open vegetable growers revealed that not much significant difference was there. An average
family size of about 5 members with a literacy rate of about 90 per cent was found. The dependency ratio for
both protected and open cultivation ranged between 0.2 -0.25. In protected cultivation, the cultivated land
accounted for 79.30 per cent of total land holdings and out of this, 36.65 per cent area was under vegetable
crops. Whereas, in open cultivation, the cultivated land accounted for 77.47 per cent of total land holdings and
out of this, 43.07 per cent area was under vegetable crops. Cropping intensity of 200 and 190.11 per cent was
observed in protected and open vegetable cultivation respectively. For 1000 m2, it was found that the cost
of cultivation was higher under protected conditions (Rs. 49595.76) than open conditions (Rs. 13588.64).
The break-even point under protected conditions was Rs. 34129.81 which was higher than open cultivation
(Rs. 2202.24). The percent margin of safety under protected conditions was 21.26 per cent whereas, it was 5.76
per cent in open conditions. The cost of cultivation of capsicum was higher under protected conditions
(Rs. 48352.78) than open conditions (Rs. 12294.52). The break-even point under protected conditions was
Rs. 33872.49 which was higher than open cultivation (Rs. 2276.71). The percent margin of safety under
protected conditions was 21.22 per cent whereas, it was 5.18 per cent in open. The impact assessment done by
PSM and RAM showed that protected cultivation was economical in terms of income (Rs.65,381 – 76,925) and
employment generated (16.20 - 17.33 mandays) than open cultivation. The composite index entrepreneurial
behavior index was found to be 74.58 using nine dimension of entrepreneurial behavior. The EBI and factors
affecting it were also estimated and it was found that income, experience, area and extension contacts were the
main significant factors. Major problems in the protected cultivation of vegetable crops in the area were distant
markets, lack of knowledge about post harvest technologies and unavailability of healthy plant material based
on response priority index done based on responses recorded.