N.N.KarnoolS.Shridhar2016-10-282016-10-282008http://krishikosh.egranth.ac.in/handle/1/82734The production of maize has decreased in Davanagere and Haveri district was noted in study period. Sugana and Riddi-Siddi were the companies taking up contract farming in both the district. The average size of land holding of contract farmers was 10.95 acres. They employed about 53.36 mandays, of which 6.32 mandays of human labour for land preparation. Similarly non-contract farmers employed about 54.32 mandays of which 7.96 mandays of human labour for land preparation. About 53.36 mandays of human labour, 5.00 pair days of bullock labour were used for maize cultivation. Total cost of cultivation of maize in contract and non-contract farming was Rs. 24,698.29 and Rs. 20,975.78 per hectare respectively, under this FYM cost was major item which accounted for nearly Rs. 6750 in contract farming. This was due to companies insist more application of FYM than compost fertilizers in contract farming. Followed by threshing activities in both contract farming and non-contract farming. Per crop of maize in contract and non-contract farming on an average yields about 63.15 quintals and 52.90 quintals per hectare, respectively. The average gross return was Rs. 20,769.71 and 14,996.22 per hectare per crop in contract farming and non-contract farming respectively. This worked out to be Rs. 1.84 and 1.71 return to every rupee invested in contract and non-contract farming. Factors responsible for success of contract farming according to farmers were assured market, higher returns, advance payment, transportation, input supply and irrigation availability. The problems were improper drying of the produce by farmers mainly to get more weight of the produce, selection of loyal farmers to have frequent contract with whom he has entered into agreement.Thesis