Four Seasons of Learning and Engaging Smallholder Farmers - icrisat

Cost-benefit analysis for chickpea cultivation
Andhra Pradesh
The benefit cost ratios ranged from 1.22 to 1.33 in Kurnool and Prakasam districts. Net returns from
the production of chickpea are Rs 4201 per ha in Kurnool district while the net returns are much lower
in case of Prakasam district. The crop provided about 40 days of employment for men and 25 days of
women labor employment. The overall labor required is distributed in the ratio of 2:3 and 1:3 among
the men and women labor employed. If proper knowledge about the significance and costs efficiency
in each operation is not known to women it may result in low yield of crop.
Karnataka
The overall results for all chickpea varieties together on one hand and separately for each variety on the
other cultivated in the study area was found to be economically viable. This was indicated by benefitcost
ratio (BCR) of more than one (> 1) and positive net returns on chickpea crop. The overall net returns
over fixed cost were positive and was Rs. 7260/ha in adopted villages and B:C ratio was 1.50. Similar
observation was made for different chickpea varieties. Net returns over fixed cost in case of Annigeri for
adopted villages was Rs.7191/ha. and the corresponding B:C ratio is1.49. In case of Kabuli varieties,
corresponding net returns and B:C ratios were Rs.8261/ha (BCR-1.55). Bhima and local varieties also
followed a similar trend in respect of net returns and BCR. Among various costs incurred human and
bullock labor accounted a substantial proportion in the total cost.
Drought research issues
Andhra Pradesh
The two areas under study have twin problem of drought and flood, Prakasam being coastal district
was effected by floods during 2007-08 and Kurnool was affected by floods during 2009-10 (First week
of October due to back waters of reservoirs nearby and heavy rains received in and around Kurnool
within a span of 48 hours indicating the warning signals of climate change in dry and low rainfall areas
during post-rainy season). Drought is a regular feature in these two districts hence diversification in the
income earning are important. There was diversification in income earning activities of different family
members even though Agriculture is treated as main activity. Detailed studies are needed to assess
potential impacts of climate change on agriculture production in drought affected areas.
Karnataka
Delayed monsoons in recent years often cause drought conditions in Dharwad district. While,
Gulbarga is one of the chronically drought hit districts of the state and frequent droughts are very
common making farmers’ livelihood more difficult. Thus, the research priorities in the wake of recurring
drought conditions and also due to market driven preferences should mainly be focused. Need to
develop suitable varieties by strengthening crop improvement program to overcome uncertainties in
yield and income of the farmers in the area. Need to strengthen the seed supply chains (institutional
linkages among R&D organizations, private seed companies, NGOs, KVKs, local village institutions)
for production and distribution of quality seed to farmers. Popularize new varieties on mission mode
through approaches like, training, demonstrations, trials, field days, farmers’ fairs, etc.
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Engaging Smallholder Farmers | Tropical Legumes II Project