L.B. KunnalAnand S. Menasinahal2016-11-102016-11-102011http://krishikosh.egranth.ac.in/handle/1/85005The present study was conducted in Uttara Kannada District, Karnataka during 2010-2011. From the district Mundgoad and Haliyal taluks where paddy crop has largely been replaced by cotton were selected purposively and from each taluk 30 farmers growing paddy 30 farmers growing cotton were selected by using multistage sampling method. It was observed that annual growth rates in area, production and productivity of cotton in Uttar Kannada district were positive whereas the same registered a negative growth rate for paddy. The total cost incurred by sample farmers in cotton cultivation (Rs. 34452.67/ha) was high compared to paddy (Rs. 31616.24/ha). However the net returns realised per hectare of cotton cultivation was Rs. 5122.73 which was higher as compared to paddy (Rs. 40530.76). The B:C ratio was also higher in case of cotton (2.48) compared to paddy (2.28). Further, the ratio of MVP to MFC was positive and more than unity for chemical fertilizer, FYM and bullock labour in case of paddy and it was also more than unity for FYM and seed in case of cotton revealing that these resources were underutilized and there was further scope for maximising returns by increasing the use of these resources. Change in temperature, change in rainfall pattern and high gross income from cotton were the major reasons for shifting over from paddy to cotton cultivation. Low yields, high wage rates and incidence of pests and diseases were major problems in cultivation of paddy whereas, in case of cotton, high cost plant protection measures and uncertainty of rains were the severe problems.Agricultural EconomicsThesis