Author(s): Roop Lal Sharma, Ajay Kumar Sharma, Vandana Sonker and Nidhi Bajaj
The present micro-level empirical study is related to the Economic Analysis of Paddy Cultivation and its Problems in the Chenab region of Marh Block, District Jammu. The specific objectives of this study are to know the Socio-Economic Status of Farmers in the study area; to analyze the Farm Size wise and Component wise Cost and Returns of Paddy Cultivation in the study area; to explore the Problems faced by farmers in the Paddy Cultivation in the Study area; and to suggest possible policy measures for strengthening paddy cultivation in the Study area. The required data were collected from 66 sample farmer respondents consisting of 40 Marginal Farmers: 20 Small Farmers and 6 Large Farmers. The data regarding the socio-economic conditions such as age, religion, community, educational qualifications, family type, occupation, and other related economic information viz, size of holding, cost, and return structure have been gathered from the respondents through a well-structured interview schedule. From the analysis, it is found that the farm size-wise cost of cultivation, the average cost of cultivation per acre was Rs. 16495/- for Marginal Farmers, Rs. 18420/-, and Rs 19700/- for Small and Large Farmers. Further, there is a significant difference registered in the cost of cultivation as well as returns from paddy cultivation. It is also calculated that the Net Profit from the paddy cultivation for the marginal farmers is Rs.21905/- and it is Rs.22770/- and Rs. 22980/-for small farmers and large farmers respectively. It is suggested that an integrated approach to farm planning and farm management is needed to strengthen paddy cultivation in general. The agricultural productivity, especially paddy productivity coupled with farm and non-farm diversification must be increased in the study area among the large farmers and the existing technology has to be upgraded and disseminated in this area which in turn could increase the paddy productivity and income of farmers.