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EA - Volume 60 - Issue 1

[<<< GO BACK ][ VOLUME 60 - ISSUE 1 ]

Title: Technological change and its impact on tenancy relation in West Bengal
Abstract :

An attempt has been made to examine the changes in tenurial contracts in consequential to the changes in agricultural production technology in Cooch Behar district of West Bengal where a dramatic change in agricultural production scenario has been witnessed over last one and half decade. The study has been made with the help of primary data collected by suitably designed schedule and questionnaire. A trend of surrendering land by the bargadars in exchange of getting ownership for a part of land thereof and thereby possibility of increasing earning as owner operator after getting ownership in foreseeable future has been elicited as a prime factor for the long sustenance of lease cultivation. From the entire analysis it comes out that with the advancement of technology, the bargaining position of the landowners vis-à-vis tenants in land lease market has been gradually favorable to the landowners and the security of tenure ensuring of getting ownership for a part of leased-in land and thereby possibility of increasing income by the tenants seems to be a compromising settlement between tenants and landowners.

Title: Impact of television on purchase decision making among rural community
Abstract :

The study was undertaken to evaluate the impact of television on purchase decision making among rural community of Punjab. One hundred respondents were interviewed randomly with a pre-tested questionnaire. The data were analyzed by one way ANOVA and differences in mean were assessed by using Turkey-b. The study revealed that 59% respondents were under graduates with 51% females. The 99% respondents have television sets and 93% respondents considered the television as medium of education. About 43% respondents devoted 1-2 hours daily to watch television whereas 60% respondents (P<0.05) opined that women watch more television as compared to others. The 36%, 22% and 25% respondents liked news, serials and musical programmes, respectively on television. Among different news channels 31%, 25% and 52% respondents preferred Aaj Tak, DD News and Star news. The 52% respondents felt that advertisement on television impacted their purchase decision making but only 35% rural respondents remembered television advertisements during purchasing. With respect to sex, 60% male and 40% female respondents ignored advertisements seen on television while purchasing the goods whereas only 24% female respondents purchased goods as learnt from television but the differences were statistically non-significant. Therefore, from the present study it may be concluded that as television has no significant effect on purchase decision making among rural community of Punjab, there is need create advertisements brilliantly to persuade them to purchase the advertised products.

Title: Producers organisation and economics of cultivation of turmeric as high valued crop against rice-wheat cropping system for increasing farm income: a case study in hoshiarpur district of Punjab
Abstract :

The study was conducted in the Ghugial village of Hoshiarpur district of Punjab during 2010-11. The main objectives were to study the cropping and crop diversification of the members of FAPRO and to examine the relative advantages of cultivation of turmeric as a high valued crop amongst the members of FAPRO unit. The study was based on primary data collected from 40 member farmers selected proportionately. It was observed that the cropping pattern was more diverse towards high valued horticultural crops, sugarcane and fodder as cash crop from cereals that occupied more than 70.00% of gross cropped area. Cultivation of turmeric was found relatively advantageous over Rice –Wheat cropping system in respect of input use and profitability as an annual crop. Price of turmeric was more assured due to the presence of FAPRO as a buying agent. The crop was also found to be more protective.

Title: Economic viability of milk production in private dairy farms in Uttar Pradesh
Abstract :
The present study based on data collected from 70 private dairy farms in Muzafarnagar district of Uttar Pradesh during reference period 2011-12 was undertaken to analyze economic viability of milk production in private dairy farms in study area.The analysis of the data (ANOVA) on plot size in blocks revealed the significant difference (p<0.01). The total plot sizes, plot size used by dairy were 687.86±21.40 yards2, 565.00±24.28 yards2 respectively. Analysis of data reveled that blocks had also significant (P≤0.01) effects on per litre sale price of cow and buffalo milk along with total daily milk sale (Table 40). The overall mean of litre sale price of cow and buffalo milk along with total daily milk sale were ` 27.03 and ` 32.0 per liter and ` 4713.90 per day. The blocks had also highly significant effect (P≤0.01) on total monthly income (`) through sale of milk, sale of manure and gunny bags. The overall mean for total monthly income (`) through these traits were ` 143231.77±4260.46 were Rs 1575.00 and ` 665.71 respectively.) The overall mean for total monthly receipts monthly recurring expenditure and monthly net economic gain were ` 145472.49±4298.80, ` 109106.09±2494.28 and
` 36366.39±2447.71.
Title: Growing private providers and constraints in the choice of higher education institutions: Impact on access to higher education
Abstract :

The choice by students in higher education has assumed importance due to the forced intrusion of neo-liberal principles. In a market economy consumers are sovereign and thus, students should have freedom to choose their life path (the courses and institutes). But, financial constraints hinder them to get that liberty. In a pro-market economy, the proliferation of private higher education institutions to meet the growing demand for higher education and their higher fee structures put an impact on access by the underprivileged. They end up with higher education institutions not of their choice.

Title: A study on adoption of modern agricultural technologies at farm level in Bihar
Abstract :

Among socio-economic, technological and managerial reasons, ineffective transfer of farm technology are important causal factors for poor performance of agriculture. Transfer of technology has been the major obstacle in achieving the targets in past. Present study deals with level of adoption of modern agricultural technology, access and quality of modern technology, outreach of agricultural extension institutions and problems faced by extension officials in transfer of farm technology in Bihar. Study is based on primary data obtained through survey of farm households, agricultural scientists and extension officers in Bihar. Study revealed the coverage of agricultural development programmes limited to few villages, and line departments still dominating technology transfer arena. Institutions like ATMA and KVK were limited to few activities only. Adoption level of artificial insemination is comparatively high due to active participation of co-operatives and private sector, but less than one fourth of farmers could adopt advanced horticulture and modern crop seeds in Bihar. Small size of land holding and fragmented land emerged as main constraint to adoption of modern horticultural technology in Bihar. While analyzing use of modern varieties of principal crops, comparatively high level of adoption on small and medium farms was observed. Dissemination of information about modern agricultural development projects/ schemes is a necessary factor for adoption of modern technology. ATMA and KVK have performed better in dissemination of the information, however, inadequate staff, infrequent supervision and lack of conveyance facility are most important constraints faced in transfer of technology in Bihar.

Title: Industrial sickness and its impact on the economy: A case study of haora district, West Bengal
Abstract :

Industrial sickness acts as great hurdle for economic growth. It is considered as a disease that can change a strong unit into a sick or weak unit with low productivity. It is slow poison which can make an economy paralyzed. Haora district is one of the industriallyoprominent districts of West Bengal since colonial period. It is composed of different types of industries like engineering, jute and cotton textile units. With the march of time many of these have lost their glamour and gradually have become economically sick. After suffering from sickness for a long time some of them became closed. Increasing number of sick units in Haora district has affected the economy of this district as well as economy of West Bengal. The contribution of secondary sector in NDDP is declining and the share of registered manufacturing sector is decreasing while the share of unregistered sector is increasing day by day. This is a symptom of weak economy. To reveal actual scenario this study is based on secondary and primary data with purposive sampling technique. To recover from this situation Board of Industrial and Financial Reconstruction (BIFR) has been established and it takes necessary actions for fruitful results. It is true that without recovery and resurgence of these units and reduction in number of sick units revitalization of the economy is not possible.

Title: Opportunities perceived by participants at commodity exchange in the state of Rajasthan
Abstract :

In this investigation an attempt has been made to study the opportunities perceived by farmers, traders and non-traders at bikaner commodity exchange limited, Bikaner Rajasthan. For this purpose primary data were collected for the year 2007- 2008. The required information was collected through personally interviewing the authorized brokers, trading members and farmers associated to the exchange. These data were then analyzed by simple percentage method to obtained objective oriented results. The major opportunities perceived by the traders at Bikaner Commodity Exchange Limited were the futures market are less risky as compared to spot market (92.31), helps traders concentrate on core activity, arbitrage opportunity, price discovery and price risk management, and a good investment option. Taking benefits of prices discovered on platform of commodity exchange (76.32), integrating trade and market support infrastructure, getting benefits indirectly from the use of active futures, using low cost MIS based on various media such as Cell-phone networks, T.V., Radios, Newspapers, and regularly using the market for hedging cash market position at the grass root level were the major opportunities perceived by the farmers at BCEL, Bikaner. Provide long term price signals (89.47), provide facilities for payment and settlement at delivery contract, transparency in prices were the major opportunities perceived by the non-members clients at that exchange.

Title: Evaluating media reach and its effectiveness to disseminate agro-technologies among rural community
Abstract :

This study was conducted to evaluate the media reach and its effectiveness to disseminate agro-technologies among rural people. One hundred respondents were interviewed randomly with a pre-tested questionnaire. The data were analyzed by one way ANOVA and differences in mean were assessed by using Turkey-b. The study showed that respondents have different degree of accessibility to radio (73%), television (99%, P<0.05) and newspaper (66%). The use of television (17%) was significantly (P<0.05) higher as compared to radio (10%) and newspaper (8%) to listen/read about agriculture. Only 4%, 2% and 2% respondents were used television, radio and newspaper, respectively to learn new agro-technologies where as 10% respondents used interpersonal sources. Therefore, from the present study it may be concluded that in order to enhance the effectiveness of mass media in dissemination of agro-technologies, there is dire need to motivate rural community to use mass media to gain agricultural information.

Title: Income and employment generation through MGNREG scheme in Haryana
Abstract :

The present study was conducted in Mahendragarh district of Haryana state. All the five blocks were taken from the selected district and from each block two villages were randomly selected totaling 10 villages. Ten MGNREGS job card holders were randomly selected from each selected village. Thus, the total sample consisted of 100 respondents. Most of the job cards were applied and issued during 2006-07 followed by the year 2010-11 in all the blocks. The proportion of persons doing actual work to the total job cards issued was very low in almost all the selected blocks. Majority of job card holders did not get employment in almost all the years. In the year 2011-12, 63% of workers did not get work for even a single day. The average employment per respondent decreased from about 23 days in 2006-07 to about 14 days in 2011-12. This indicates that participation of workers is very low in MGNREGA in the study area. The root cause of low participation is lack of information/awareness about MGNREGS and job card not handed over to them. The contribution of MGNREGS income was about 9% to the total family income of the working respondents (37%). In the study area, there was a common problem of non-availability of camel carts at low rate fixed by the government. There is a need of further strengthening of the MGNREGS to generate sufficient employment for rural workers.

Title: Cost and income structure of wheat cultivation in Vindhyan Plateau of Madhya Pradesh
Abstract :

The present study has been made to work out the cost of cultivation, profitability and production as well as marketing constraints of wheat cultivation faced by farmers. The primary data were collected from 105 sample respondents (40 small, 40 medium and 25 large) through pre-tested interview schedule. The cost of cultivation was found to be highest on large farm (` 29379.88/ha) as compared to medium farm (` 26155.99/ha) and small farm (` 21942.80/ha). The gross income received from wheat cultivation was to be ` 50166.54 per hectare on overall farms, while gross income was found to be maximum in case of large farm (` 55817.55/ha) followed by medium farm (` 50191.20/ha) and small farm (` 44490.87/ha). The net income, farm business income, family labour income and farm investment income were found to be ` 24340.32, ` 35779.93, ` 27969.70 and ` 34498.43 per hectare, respectively on overall farms. The benefit cost ratio was to be highest on small farm (1:2.027) as compared to medium (1:1.918) and large farm (1:1.899). The wheat cultivators reported that potential yield could not be achieved due to various production constraints viz. lack of soil testing facilities, lack of knowledge of plant protection measures, lack of knowledge of recommended package of practices, unavailability of hired human labour, irregularity of electricity supply, lack of capital, lack of proper training, disease problems, unavailability of high yielding variety seed and unavailability of fertilizers at operation period.

Title: Pre-harvest forecast models for wheat yield based on biometrical characters
Abstract :

Some statistical models for pre-harvest forecast of wheat yield based on biometrical characters in situation of normal and late sowing of wheat have been developed in the present paper. In both the situations, linear multiple regression model (model-I), where biometrical characters are used in the original form, has been found to be the best forecasting model as it has consistently smaller percent standard errors for the forecast yield of wheat alongwith maximum value of R2adj.(49 to 51%).

Title: A study of cropping system in Kandi area of Jammu region of Jammu and Kashmir state
Abstract :

The present effort undertaken in the Kandi belt of Jammu region aimed to study the different crops grown in the area, the cropping pattern followed and to find out the cropping intensity of the selected area. The results of the study revealed that among the districts selected the Net Cultivable Area was the highest in Jammu district (59.50 ha) and the least was in Rajouri (55.15 ha). However, the Total Cropped Area was highest in district Udhampur (98.70 ha). The cropping intensity was highest in Udhampur 167.57 and the least in Jammu (163.61).

Title: Pattern and trend in labour use in Indian agriculture: An analysis across major crops and states
Abstract :

The technological change in agriculture has made significant impacts on labour absorption, notably since green revolution. In this context the present study analyses the pattern and trend in labour absorption across major states and crops during the period of mid-1970s to 2010. The entire period of analysis has been sub-divided into two, upto mid-90s as first period and post-mid 90s till 2010 as the second period, broadly corresponding to the period of green revolution and market reforms, respectively. The analysis was carried out for rice and wheat, two major food crops and cotton and sugarcane, two major commercial crops. The results indicated that at national level, there is wide variation in the trend in labour absorption among the four crops under study: while a continuous decline has been observed in the case of wheat during the entire period, it has been continuously rising in the case of cotton. On the other hand, paddy and sugarcane depicted varying trends over the time- increasing labour absorption up to mid-1990s, but declining thereafter. This trend at national level corresponds to the spread of technological changes in agriculture.

Title: Growth and performance of Kisan Credit Card Scheme in India with special reference to Karnataka
Abstract :

The credit is the life blood of agriculture and which was disbursed through KCC Scheme in our country. The number of KCC issued and amount sanctioned in India, Karnataka, North-East Karnataka region and Bellary district was estimated using the compound growth rate analysis. The necessary secondary data about KCC scheme for India were collected from RBI publications since inception of the scheme. The same data for Karnataka, North East Karnataka region and Bellary district were collected for the period 2006-07 to 2011-12. The collected were pertaining to three formal agencies viz., commercial bank, RRBs and co-operatives. At national level, the commercial banks have issued the highest number of KCCs amongst the three formal financial agencies. The commercial banks issued highest KCCs (45.33%) followed by co-operative banks (40.30%) and minimum issued by RRBs (14.37%). The similar pattern was observed for Karnataka state and Bellary district. Whereas in North-East Karnataka region, the highest number of KCCs was issued by RRBs. The highest percent of operational holding covered by KCC was in case of North-East Karnataka region (610.09%) followed by Karnataka (391.82%) and Bellary district (332.87%).

Title: ICT based market information services in Kerala-Determinants and barriers of adoption
Abstract :

ICT based market information services are getting wide importance as a means of empowering farmers by enabling them to take informed decisions, and in removing information asymmetry. This study analyses determinants of adoption as well as barriers to adoption of ICT based market information services (MIS) in Kerala. Logistic regression model revealed that factors like education, family size, and contact with extension agent positively influenced adoption of ICT based market information services by the farmers whereas income from other sources negatively influenced the adoption. Technical barriers and language were found to be the most important barriers for adoption of MIS followed by irrelevancy of contents, lack of reliability, lack of awareness and cost involved. The study suggested that further efforts to create awareness about such interventions among farmers, providing content in local languages in user friendly manner will increase the adoption of MIS and would remove information asymmetry in agricultural marketing.

Title: An analysis of changing land use pattern and cropping pattern in a scenario of increasing food insecurity in Kerala state
Abstract :

Kerala state is unique in its agro-climatic variations and cropping pattern as compared to other states of India. Changes in Land Use pattern and cropping pattern in Kerala have been creating a lot of concern from the environmental as well as food security point of view. The present study examines shifts in land use pattern and changing trend of cropping pattern in Kerala from 2001to 2012period. Secondary data on area, production and productivity of major food crops and non food crops were collected from various sources. Compound annual growth rate and Cuddy-Della Valle instability index was computed to examine the growth and instability of the crops over the period (2001-2012). Crop diversification index was also calculated for the state for each year. The study observed that land which is categorized as cultivable waste, fallow other than current fallow and Current fallow recorded a positive growth in area. It is also found that banana(1.53%) and rubber(1.07%) showed maximum positive growth in terms of area. Among food crops rice (4.01%) tapioca (3.83%) and plantain (1.01%) showed a negative growth in area. Rice recorded negative growth in both area and production, which should be considered as an alarming situation as far as food security of Kerala is considered. It can be concluded that in Kerala Total cropped area is decreasing and food crops are more hard hitted by this shift than non food crops. Crop diversification index also point towards the trend of increasing monocropping in the state which favour non food crops.

Title: Cost and return analysis of phalsa (Grewia asiaticaL.) propagation by semi-hard wood cuttings
Abstract :

Phalsa (Grewia asiatica L.) belongs to family Tiliaceae and is native to the Indian sub-continent and South-East Asia. But there is hardly any work which has analysed its costs and returns.In order to evaluate the most profitable treatment, economic analysis of treatments was worked out in terms of net returns and benefit cost (B:C) ratio. The cost and analysis structure of production of 1000 plants through rooting of cuttings was worked out for 15th July, 30th July, 15th August and 30th August planting in combination with IBA (150 ppm, 300 ppm and 450 ppm), NAA (150 ppm, 300 ppm and 450 ppm) and untreated cuttings planted i.e., treatment seven on different dates of planting. The cost incurred on preparation of land (`500.00), labour charges (`515.00), Farm yard manure (`180.00), planting material (` 1500.00), irrigation (`560.00) and depreciation on assets (` 79.80) was found to be same in all the treatments. The cost incurred on the preparation of different solutions of IBA in various treatments was found to be `403.20 for 450 ppm IBA followed by `269.00 for 300 ppm IBA and `134.40 for 150 ppm IBA and in case of preparation of NAA it was found to be `378.00, `252.00 and `126.00, respectively. It was found that 30th July was best date of planting of phalsa cuttings and IBA treatment was best among growth regulators treatment. Also phalsa cuttings treated with IBA 300 ppm and planted on 30th July showed highest survival percentage (71%) and net returns (` 3496.20) Thus, planting of phalsa cuttings on 30th July and treated with IBA 300 ppm was found to be best treatment combination as evidenced by the cost: benefit ratio of 1:1.97.

Title: Marketing behaviour of cumin in Jodhpur district of Rajasthan
Abstract :

The study pertains to Jodhpur district of Rajasthan state where cumin is cultivated extensively. The study examined various economic aspects of cumin such as assessment marketable surplus, sale pattern, and channels involved in marketing of cumin. Out of which two tehsils namely looni and falodi were selected on the basis of highest production and area. Six villages were selected randomly from selected tehsils. A sample of sixty cumin growers was selected randomly. Primary data were utilized in the study. The primary data utilized in the study were collected from the respondent farmers by personal by interviewing them with the help of a set of pre tested schedule. The marketable and marketed surplus ranged between 95 to 97% on different sized farms. The sample farmers disposed 85.74% surplus cumin seed in the Mandor regulated market and only 14.26% quantity was disposed in the villages to village traders of the surplus cumin seed, 53% was sold in the first quarter immediately after harvest (March to May) and others 47% was marketed in remaining three quarters of the year (Aug. to Feb.). Small sized farmers disposed off their total surplus cumin seed in one lot as against this medium and large sized farmer disposed off their total surplus in two and more lots. Following two marketing channels were identified in the study area for marketing of cumin. Channel I: Producer – Village trader – Wholesaler- Retailer – Consumer. Channel II: Producer –Wholesaler- Retailer – Consumer. Among these channels, 75% quantity of cumin moved through channel –II and 25% quantity was moved through channel-I.

Title: Rural infrastructure and agricultural growth linkages in Jammu and Kashmir
Abstract :

An attempt has been made in this study to analyze the growth and impact of rural infrastructure on agricultural land/labour productivity in Jammu and Kashmir employing secondary data. The results indicated that although the road network in the state has significantly expanded but still number of regions are yet to be connected. Similarly 3% of the villages are yet to have electricity facility though the proportion of village electrified has increased since 1980s’. Moreover it is interesting to note that the electricity consumed for agricultural activities constitute only 5% of total electricity consumption in the state. As far as irrigation capacities in the state are concerned, it has shown only a marginal improvement over the years. While cooperative have shown a decline, the branches offices of banks have increased significantly. The estimates of agricultural land/labour productivity models revealed that rural infrastructure variables have significantly contributed to the growth of agricultural productivity and may have significant marginal impact. On the basis of major findings, this study suggests that the pace of growth in development of the agricultural economy has to be accompanied by consistent growth in rural infrastructure. The study also advocated the public-private partnership in building basic rural infrastructure uniformly across the state.

Title: Characterization of farm households in terms of market accessibility- A case study in West Tripura district of Tripura
Abstract :

In this study focus has been given on characterization of farm households in terms of market accessibility and identification of factors determining input purchasing behavior in West Tripura district of Tripura state. It refers to an exhaustive survey covering 100 sample farms during the period 2011-12.The study area has witnessed by low intensity of cropping (119%) though more than 90% of the net area gets irrigation which implies that farmers are lagging much behind the adoption of modern technologies and practices. The factors determining the input purchasing behavior have been examined. The sample farms were classified into two groups namely, market-prone and market-averse groups on the basis of involvement of farmers in output market. The study reveals that 40% of the sample farmers do not have proper market access and remain beyond the orbit of market forces. Characteristics of groups have also been identified by Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) method.

Title: Study on growth of major cereals in West Bengal
Abstract :

An effort has been made in this study to measure the sub-period growth rates of area, production and yield of two major crops i.e. rice and wheat in West Bengal. The study also tries to examine the changes in costs and profitability of these two crops during this period. It has been observed that the agriculture of the state had been able to boost its performance during the decade of eighties, at least in terms of growth rates production of rice and wheat, mainly for tremendous increment in the yield growth rates of the crops along with expansion of area under cultivation. The effective introduction of HYV technology coupled with successful implementation of land reforms programme at the very grass root level set the path of agricultural development in West Bengal. However, this scenario of impressive growth performance did not sustain for a very long period of time. The fall in the yield growth rates of crops reduces the production growth rates during the era of globalisation which have been started in the early nineties. During this period, crops such as boro rice, and total food grain experienced fall in their growth rates to a significant extent with marked deceleration in growth trend. The trend of declining cost of production with higher growth in yields got reversed in the nineties and beyond and they went up at nearly 1.5% per annum for rice and wheat. The returns over paid-out costs also for rice farmers declined at 1.15% per annum in real terms leading to distress for them. This declining profitability seems to have discouraged them in increasing spending on yield augmenting technology as shown by the relatively declining growth rate of cost of cultivation.

Title: Growth rate and survivability patterns in Jamunapari breeds of goats under farm conditions in Mahoba district of Bundelkhand region
Abstract :

The present investigation was carried out in the breeding and migratory tracts of jamunapari goat in district Mohoba of Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh. For study, data were collected from 10 villages of belonging to Jaitpur block of the Mohoba district in 2012-2013. The climate of the breeding and migratory tracts was hot, semi-arid and tropical in nature with matching vegetation and cultivated crops. The average migratory flock size was 58 ± 3.71 (range 30-100). In stationary flocks the size ranged between 2 and 35 with an average of 17.The average flock contains 16.0 ± 2.57 individuals (range 8 to 41), of which 0.25% adult males, 8.65% adult females and 7.1% young. It has been observed that Feeding system significantly affected body weights and weight gain at all the growth stages and. In stationery tracts approximately diarrhea 21.7%, pneumonia 7.1%, parasitic disease 5.5%, F.M.D. 4.9%, Nutritional disease 10.6%, Blot 6.7%, P.P.R. 11.5%, enterotoxaemia 8.4% and unknown other diseases 5.9% were found. In Migratory tracts approximately diarrhea 24.5% , Phenomena 9.6% , Parasitic disease 7.8% , F.M.D. 6.6%, Nutritional disease 12.8%, Blot 8.2%, P.P.R. 13.7%, enterotoxaemia 10.1% and unknown other diseases 7.4%, which were found to have more than stationery tracts. The study revealed that jamunapari goat was reared under traditional method of rearing with less scientific management practices.

Title: An analysis of profitability trend in Indian Cement Industry
Abstract :

In Indian manufacturing sector cement industry is one of the oldest and established one contributing a large share of total industrial production and employment. Unfortunately however, the industry has long been a victim of various regulatory measures taken by the government on its production and distribution from its time of commencement. These have worsened its competitive structure from the very beginning. The disadvantageous situation of a large number of companies is reflected in the haphazard movement of the industry’s profitability ratio. The industry is overburdened with different types of tax imposed by the government. Burden of unfavourable sales tax and excise duty, uncertainty in supply of raw materials, underutilization of capital and high capital cost added to the aforesaid fluctuation in profitability. The lower base of profitability ratios and the waning financial position of the majority of the companies have left them with little resources to undertake renovation and modernization. It is high time that some fiscal measures imposed by the government, together with a drive to modernization be effective for reconstructing the condition of Indian cement industry.