Crop dynamics and economics of farming systems-a study of Joshimath block of Chamoli district
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Date
2005-01
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G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar - 263145 (Uttarakhand)
Abstract
The study conducted in Joshimath block of Chamoli district in Uttaranchal was based on data collected from 40 farmers for the agricultural year 2003-04. The study aims at examining the income structure, identification of farming systems and enterprise linkages, examining growth trends of area under crops and economics and constraints of farming systems. Income from on-farm activities formed the dominant source of income on each size group of farms accounting for 75 per cent on small farms, 79 per cent on medium farms and 85 per cent on large farms. Income from dairy enterprise formed the major source on small and medium farms but potato cultivation turned out to be largest source of income on large farms. The farming system crop + dairy + orchard are practiced on each of the small, medium and large farms but farming systems crop + dairy are practiced on only 45.83 percent of the small farms. Cereals registered significant negative growth rates of area over the period 1990-91 to 1999-2000. Pulses oilseeds and potato crop witnessed significant positive growth rates in area. The net returns over total cost of the farming systems crop + dairy + orchard was estimated to be Rs. 11830.60 for an average of 0.31 hectare of small farm, Rs. 20662.01 for an average size of 0.61 ha of medium farm and Rs. 23897.42 for an average size of 1.1 ha of large farm. The net return over variable cost from this farming system was Rs. 22431.22 on small farm, Rs. 422243.01 on medium farms, 56937.15 on large farm. The net returns over total cost and variable cost of the farming system crop + dairy were estimated to be Rs. 3868.46 and Rs. 12340.15 on small farms, respectively. Lack of irrigation facilities, poor marketing facilities, input supply, credit, lack of good breed of animals, high cost of inputs and breeding of bovines appeared as the major constraints that affect the profitability of farming system. The results suggest that post harvesting and marketing support can be the most significant strategy to improve the economic well being of farmers as the dairying, orchard (apple) and potato cultivation among crop activities form the most significant component of the farming systems.
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