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EA - Volume 63 - Issue 4

[<<< GO BACK ][ VOLUME 63 - ISSUE 4 ]

Title: Economic Affairs: Vol. 63, No. 4, December 2018
Abstract :
Title: Transaction Cost in Irrigation Tank Management: An Institutional Economic Analysis
Abstract :

Irrigation tanks formed the lifeline of village economy. The Government of Karnataka amended its Irrigation Act in 1965 and Participatory Irrigation Management (PIM) was brought under the domain of Cooperative Act and Water Users Cooperatives were formed to managed and operate the tanks. The present study was undertaken to assess the transaction cost in irrigation tank management in central dry zone of Karnataka. Two tanks Bukkarayanakere (farmers managed) and Ayyanakere (Minor Irrigation Department managed) were considered for the study. The results revealed that, total transaction cost incurred was high in Minor Irrigation Department managed tank or defunct water users association (` 1,06,085 per year) than farmers managed tank or active water users association (` 61,480 per year). This is because of free riding problem that prevailed in the Minor Irrigation Department managed tank command. Educating the farmers regarding the benefits of collective action is necessary to reduce the transaction cost.

Title: Marketing Behavior of Banana Grower in Bhagalpur District of Bihar
Abstract :

The study was conducted on primary data, collected from a sample of 60 banana growers, consisted of 26 (43%), 25 (42%) and 9 (15%) marginal & small, semi-medium and medium & large category. The data were collected from the sample growers with the help of specifically prepared pre-tested schedules through Survey Method by interviewing them, selected through Multi-Stage Sampling Technique from a cluster of 3 villages of Nawgachhia block of Bhagalpur district. The growers in general (76.67%) were found selling banana in ‘local market’. The semi-medium and medium & large category (36.0 and 56.0 per cent) growers were also found selling it to ‘distant markets’. The ‘contract sale’ was pre-dominantly prevailed as ‘mode of sale’ in the area. The ‘cash sale’ as-well-as ‘credit sale’ was prevailing in the area. The marginal & small category growers sold banana to the pre-harvest contractors.

Title: Are Crops Still Profitable in Cauvery River Basin of Karnataka?
Abstract :

The study attempts to estimate the profitability of crops cultivated in Cauvery river basin of Karnataka. The study uses primary data pertaining to Mandya district, which is the major beneficiary of the Krishna Raja Sagara (KRS) Project of Cauvery basin for irrigation purpose. For this study, 120 farm households were selected through appropriate sampling procedure. The data thus collected were processed using statistical tools including descriptive analytical tools, Cobb-Douglas Production Function and Garrett ranking method. The results revealed that, in the study area, sugarcane was the most profitable crop with a mean net returns of ` 1,47,288 per ha and a benefit-cost ratio of 2.02. The corresponding figures for paddy were ` 31,342 per ha and 1.52, while for ragi, they were ` 3,159 per ha and 1.12. Over the last decade, maize, banana, sesamum and coconut have gained importance as indicated by their significant positive high compound annual growth rates in cropped area, which is a desirable change replacing the age-old monotonous sugarcane-paddy cropping system. Labour scarcity and high wage rate were the serious problems faced by the sample respondents in crop production. Amongst the irrigation related problems, untimely and inadequate release of water from the dam for irrigation purposes and sedimentation in canals and tanks were the most serious ones, which needs the attention of the policy makers on priority basis, in order to have a sustainable crop production system in the region.

Title: Globalization, Agro-Based Industry and Unemployment: A Three-Sector General Equilibrium Model
Abstract :
This paper explains how different interconnected measures of globalization, namely, tariff reform, labour market reform and capital account liberalization influence different sectors of the economy, unemployment and flexible wage of unskilled labour in the informal sector. In so doing we depart from the conventional Harris-Todaro type of model of open urban unemployment. The different comparative static exercises performed in a three-sector general equilibrium clearly indicate that globalization is not a panacea for the multitude of problems of an emerging market economy. JEL Classification- E26, F16
Title: Advances in Statistical Forecasting Methods: An Overview
Abstract :

Statistical tools for forecasting purpose started using smooth exponential methods in 1950s. These methods were modified depending upon the trend followed in the data sets, based upon the evaluation purpose. From simple additive to multiplicative effects and then automated functions were used to evaluate the complexity in data for forecasting purpose. In this review we summarized the various statistical methods used for forecasting purposes starting from the basic function to complex function in order to evaluate various data sets viz-a-viz time series data of different components, like agricultural products, business outcomes, and stock market exchange rates. In order to evaluate the data sets for forecasting purpose to accuracy or near accuracy, various statistical methods will give different predictions depending up on the range of data sets whether daily, weekly, monthly or yearly, number of observations in the data set, seasonality in data sets, number of missing observation in data sets, and more importantly the variation in data sets to interpret the results.

Title: Cost Escalation in Cotton Cultivation: An Analysis
Abstract :

There is a growing discontentment among Indian cotton farmers because of declining profitability. Increase in production costs, yield stagnation and volatile output prices have affected the net incomes adversely. In this study we analysed cost of cotton cultivation to elucidate reasons for cost escalation. Cost of cultivation data obtained from the Directorate of Economics and Statistics for the period 2000-01 to 2014-15 was used for the analysis. It was found that an increase in human labour wage rates was the major factor that contributed to cost escalation. Fertilizers were another factor that contributed to cost escalation. Selective mechanization for curtailing human labour consumption and judicious use of fertilizers are options to lower the cost of cotton cultivation.

Title: Economics and Constraints of Large Cardamom Cultivation in Zunheboto District of Nagaland
Abstract :

The present paper studied the economics of large cardamom cultivation using primary data collected from a sample of 80 large cardamom growers of Zunheboto district. It has been found that investment in large cardamom is a profitable business. Total cost of cultivation for large cardamom was ` 83188.29/ha and net farm income was ` 251559.65/ha. The values of economic parameters, viz, NPV, BCR, IRR and PBP was worked out to be ` 98129.31/ha, 1.66(over total cost), 35 per cent and 4.3 years respectively, thus, confirmed the economic viability and certainty of investment in large cardamom plantation. Non availability of planting materials on time was the major constraint reported in the study area. The study has emphasized on the need of participatory quality planting material production at village level which will facilitate in effective supply of seedlings at proper time.

Title: Can Farm Sustainability Translate into Efficiency as Well? A Technical Efficiency Analysis of Relay Cropping System in Saurashtra, Gujarat
Abstract :

Exploiting the potential of current technologies is more critical to increase farm production than that of waiting for a new technological breakthrough. In reality, higher efficiency can often translate into higher productivity which further may lead to sustainability at the farm levels. Taking this into consideration, the present study was conducted in Saurashtara region of Gujarat state during 2016-17 to determine technical efficiency levels of randomly selected farmers practicing groundnut-pigeonpea relay cropping vis-à-vis other cropping systems. The analysis was conducted using stochastic frontier production function (SFPF) approach. The findings revealed that the mean technical efficiency of relay cropping farmers (89 %) was higher than that of sole pigeonpea farmers (87.18 %) and sole groundnut farmers (74.52 %). The maximum likelihood estimates (MLE) revealed positively significant effect of human labour (1.103) and machine power (0.109) and fertilizer (0.276) on farm output among relay cropping farmers. In fact, the variance ratios viz. σ2 (0.027), γ (0.838) and λ (2.263) were found to be significant indicating that the variations in the farm output were more due to the existence of technical inefficiency levels. In addition, the average frontier yield to be bridged was only 0.89 qtl/ha under relay cropping which was much lesser than the other two cropping systems. Among the factors influencing the technical efficiency of relay cropping farmers, experience (0.37); education (0.10); institutional support (0.12) and imput market access (0.08) were found to be both positive and significant.

Title: Impact of Public Policies on Women Health in India: An Empirical Study
Abstract :

An effort has been made in this study to measure the impact of public policies on women health in Indian. This Paper has been divided into three parts: first part of the study shows the trend and pattern of the public policies on women health from 2004 to 2015. Secondly, this paper explored the effectiveness of the health policies and in order to find out the effectiveness, we have used Anova with post hoc test. Lastly, we have used regression analysis to find out the impact of public policies on women health in India.

Title: Role of Agricultural Infrastructure and Climate Change on Agricultural Efficiency in Uttar Pradesh: A Panel Data Analysis
Abstract :

The present research paper has examined the process of agricultural infrastructure, climate change and agricultural efficiency in Uttar Pradesh at district as well as regional level from 2004-05 to 2015-16. Agricultural Infrastructure Indices (AII) have been estimated through Principal Component Analysis (PCA) by taking eight variables related to agricultural infrastructure to identify the disparities within the district as well as regional level. Agricultural Efficiency Index (AEI) has also been estimated to identify the trends of agricultural efficiency and panel data regression analysis was employed to analyze the determinants of agricultural efficiency index at disaggregate level of Uttar Pradesh. The values of agricultural infrastructure index (AII) confirmed that rural infrastructure has been enhanced in all the districts and regions from 2004-05 to 2015-16 with some fluctuations. Moreover, the results of agricultural efficiency revealed that the pattern of efficiency at district and regional level has undergone a significant shift towards a higher level during the study period. However, this shift was not uniformly distributed across the districts/regions. The regional level result of UP indicated that WUP recorded highest AEI and AII followed by CUP, EUP and Bundelkhand respectively. The results of Random Effect Model confirmed that agriculture infrastructure index (AII); gross sown area per tractor, percentage of loan for agriculture and rainfall variability have been found the significant determinants of agriculture efficiency, while per hectare fertilizer, maximum temperature and minimum temperature have established insignificant relationship with agricultural efficiency. This paper suggests policy support in terms of enhanced agriculture infrastructure, mitigation of vulnerable climatic factors, appropriate use of agriculture inputs and suitable technology to achieve higher degree of agricultural efficiency and also generate higher income for farmers. Furthermore, the use of technological inventions by public--private participation in the cultivation methods of various crops needs to be encouraged for achieving agriculture efficiency at disaggregate level.

Title: The Socio-economic Status of Cotton Farmers and their Attitude Towards Pesticide Use
Abstract :

Cotton accounts for the maximum share of pesticide consumption. Over the past decade, the perplexities in pest management intensified more insect species developing resistance to insecticides which was a consequence of excessive use of insecticides on the crop. For the study, multistage sampling procedure was adopted to select the respondents. Twenty cotton farmers from each village were post-stratified into small, medium and large farmers proportionately making a total sample of 120. The total costs as well as returns incurred were highest for large farmers as compared to medium and small farmers, but pesticides cost was more in case of small farmers. Around 54 farmers (45%) had spent ` 4500 to ` 5500 per ha for pesticide application. Most of the farmers do not know how to read literature on pesticide containers. It was astonishing to notice that 73.33 per cent of the farmers were exposed to or not using protective masks/coverings during pesticide application and farmers were found careless in handling pesticides.

Title: An Appraisal of Performance of Primary Agricultural Co-operative Societies (PACS) in Nadia District of West Bengal
Abstract :

Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (PACS) – the age-long rural institutions were set up mainly focussing credit aspects of farming community. However, with the passage of time PACS have undergone many changes in terms of their modus operandi as well as objectives. Of late they have been mobilizing financial resources from rural households in the form of savings etc. Additionally, they are now promoting Self-Help-Groups (SHGs), particularly women-groups who were untouched earlier. In this paper, attempt is being made to examine performance of PACS in terms of its coverage, inclusion, economic efficiency, social responsibility and prudence in financial management. The study is based on secondary data relating to the period 2007-08 to 2016-17 referring to randomly selected seven PACS of Nadia district, West Bengal. Finally the authors point out to the weaknesses and pitfalls of societies and conclude with some suggestions for strengthening PACS. It has been observed that PACS have broadened their base in terms membership growth and quantum of loan-disbursement. However, they have showed poor performance in recovery and decelerating NPA growth. The reasons for growths in Overdue and NPA need critical observations at ground level. An exhaustive evaluation is needed whether overdue or NPA are owing to growth of wilful or non-wilful defaulters.

Title: Growth Performance of Rice in West Bengal Agriculture: A Spatio temporal Analysis
Abstract :

The present study was conducted to analyze the rice cultivation scenario in West Bengal from 1994-95 to 2015-16. The study was based on secondary data collected from various sources. Study showed that production, yield, area under high yielding variety (HYV) and area under irrigation had a positive and significant growth rate, whereas area had negative and significant growth rate in overall period i.e., period III (1994-16). North 24 parganas, Cooch behar, Jalpaiguri showed highest growth rate in terms of area, production and yield respectively in period III. Among the traditional rice growing districts Midnapore showed higher growth rate in terms of production and yield than Bardhaman in period III. Midnapore and Bardhaman were among the top three districts in terms of area and production. Variable like rainfall (R) had negative and significant effect in growth of area and production showing unpredictability of monsoon caused the farmers to show reluctance in rice cultivation. Other variable like literacy rate (LR) and fertilizer consumption (FC) had positive and significant effect on growth rate of yield and gross irrigated area (GIA) in terms of growth of area under rice cultivation.

Title: Analysis of Technical Efficiency in Mustard Production in Different Agro-Climatic Zones of Haryana and Punjab
Abstract :
This paper help in analyzing Technical Efficiencies (TE), in different agricultural production stages for growing mustard, adopted by the farmers of Punjab &Haryana in smallholding farming communities following the fast-track agricultural reform of the year 2014 with a view of highlighting key entry points for policy in the context of “Doubling of Farmers Income”. Using a randomly selected sample of 350 smallholder mustard producers in the districts of south western Punjab and north western Haryana, a stochastic frontier production model was applied, using a linear Cobb–Douglas production function to determine the production elasticity coefficients of inputs, technical efficiency and the determinants of efficiency. The TE can be proved immensely helpful to avoid the situation of indebtedness, low yield and farmer’s suicides in other Indian states. The study finds that mustard output responds positively to the increases in inorganic fertilizers, seed quantity, the use of labour and the area planted. The analysis for mustard growers depict 90 per cent of farmers in the study area, are technically efficient between 70 and 85 per cent, with an average of 77 per cent. The crucial factors of technical efficiency were the gender of head, size of family and frequency of extension services and visits, size of farm and the farming region. This paper represents a case study of south western Punjab and western Haryana to conclude the advanced middle stage farmers of both the state transforming the income generation from agricultural production by making possible use of efficient technology in production for High Yield Varieties (HYV) of mustard. JEL Codes: O21, O33, Q12, Q18
Title: Impact of Monetary Policy on Bank Credit since Reforms Period
Abstract :

Does Bank Rate, Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) and Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR) affect the bank credit? This question always comes in the mind of researchers, economist, academicians, and policymakers and to get the answer to it, many research activities and projects are carried out by them. This study is also on the same line. The study intends to examine the impact of monetary policy on bank credit since reforms period. The study uses multiple regression models to test the selected banking variables by using the time series data collected from RBI. The study found that there is an inverse relationship between CRR and bank credit, SLR and bank credit but there is no association between bank rate by RBI and bank credit by the scheduled commercial banks in India since reforms period.

Title: An Assessment of Impact of GST on India’s Online Retail Sector
Abstract :

The online retail market in India is relatively new and still adapting to the global business environment. Also, conventional tax regime was neither able to cover all e-commerce transactions nor give it a proper space to flourish. The launch of Goods and Services Tax (GST) changed the taxation scenario in India from a very complex tax structure comprising of around 500 different kinds of taxes to a simpler tax regime with just 3 broad tax categories while having both positive and negative impacts on industries operating in organized and unorganized manner. The objective of this exploratory, qualitative, and non-empirical paper is to explore and present the consequences of the introduction of GST on the Indian Economy with special reference to the online retail industry in India. Researchers reviewed the reports of various departments of Government of India (such as the Central Board of Excise and Customs); the GST Council reports up to 30th meeting held on September 28th 2018; Honorable Finance Minister’s speech on GST; and interviews of government officials. This paper may provide useful insights to the online retailers, suppliers and most importantly, the common buyers in understanding the changes brought by GST and help the GST Council in making further amendments in the Act.

Title: Problems faced by Selected Small Business Units in Coimbatore city due to Demonetization
Abstract :

Small scale industries has been considered as device of economic growth and development in many developing countries and this constitute the backbone of an economy in maintaining a significant growth and in generating employment opportunities. The Government of India declared that ` 500 and ` 1000 notes will be no longer legal tender from midnight, 8th November 2016. This move is expected to cleanse the formal economic system, discard black money and counterfeit notes. The small business units who largely depend on Cash related transaction on daily basis witnessed more disturbances. Therefore an attempt has been made to identify the problems faced by the small business units and give suggestions to improve the working of small business units which were affected by demonetization in Coimbatore city. The study revealed that most of the respondents were unhappy about the implementation of demonetization because they faced loss due to cash crunch and had a great impact on their small business activities and their standard of living.

Title: Estimation of Growth Trends and Impact Assessment of National Food Security Mission on Chickpea Production in India
Abstract :
The present study has been attempted to analyse the growth trends and impact assessment of NFSM-P on area, production and yield of chickpea in major states in India. The study was based on the secondary data pertaining to the year 1970-71 to 2014-15. To estimate growth trends, compound growth function was fitted and change in area, production and yield of chickpea during NFSM-P period (2008-09 to 2014-15) has been compared with preceding period (1990-91 to 2007-08) for impact assessment of NFSM-P on chickpea in the country. The results of the study indicated that chickpea area in India over the period has almost been stagnating (0.12%, statistically non-significant). The production of has increased at an annual rate of 1.12 per cent owing to the significant annual increase (1.00%) in chickpea yield. The results further highlighted emergence of niche area such as Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka in chickpea production while area shrinkage from Haryana, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh was also observed. The yield of chickpea in all the major states of India has shown positive growth during the study period. The effort of the government in the form of NFSM-P has positively impacted area, production and yield of chickpea in the country but increase in production was supported by area addition rather than yield
improvement indicating need of technological advancement, improved yield varieties for enhancement of chickpea production in the country.
Title: A Probe into Rural Households’ Food Accessibility Scenario: A Micro Level Study in West Bengal
Abstract :

Food security is recognized as a basic human right and in the ‘Sustainable Development Summit’ of 2015, achieving ‘Zero Hunger’ by 2030 has been set as one of the 17 sustainable development goals. The incidence of hunger is very much region or context-specific. India remains at ‘serious’ category in Global Hunger Index Severity Scale, 2017. Food accessibility being the most important pillar of food security, in this paper we attempt to assess the incidence, depth and severity of food inaccessibility at the household level in three villages of the district of Birbhum, West Bengal. The study, based on primary data covering 257 households, also intends to examine food accessibility of the households classified by their primary source of income. We have taken monthly per capita consumption expenditure (MPCE) on food as the indicator of food accessibility. The MPCE on food as per the minimum food basket set by the Planning Commission in 2014 and the mean MPCE on food for rural West Bengal as determined by the NSSO in 2011 are considered as two threshold levels. The study reveals the alarming reality that a significant percentage of households with zero operational land and marginal farmers do not have food accessibility. An inquiry into the sources of income of the households reveals that there exists (i) a negative relation between wage income and food accessibility, (ii) an inverse relation between income generated from farm activity and food accessibility and (iii) a positive relation between income from regular service, trade, business and food accessibility.

Title: Diversification and Specialisation of Punjab in Growing Various Crops: A District Level Approach
Abstract :

The paper examines the nature and extent of crop diversification, crop specialization and inter-district diversity in cropping pattern in the most advanced agricultural state Punjab during the period of 2000-01 to 2014-15. The study has used the index of crop diversification, location quotient, crop versatility and district versatility index for analysis. The study has revealed that both wheat and rice crop is grown by all the districts, so none of the district was found to be very highly specialised or very less specialised than state. However, for cotton and maize, four districts acquired specialization. The district versatility results shows that Hoshiarpur is the more versatile district and Patiala is less versatile district in 2014-15. The insights from the paper suggests that the government should enhance region-specific diversification on the basis of district specialization along with infrastructure and assured marketing of new crops through contract farming and supermarkets procurement.

Title: Assessment of Repayment Performance of Agriculture Credit by Farm Households across Rural Urban Interface of North of Bengaluru
Abstract :

The study was undertaken in North of Bengaluru to Assess the Repayment performance and factors affecting repayment capacity of agriculture credit by farm households across rural urban interface. The required primary data was collected from randomly selected 50 farmers each under rural, peri-urban and urban transacts. The results revealed that the farmers availed more credit from formal sources compared to informal sources across all transacts. Repayment was more in urban areas (50.36 %) compared to peri-urban (43.05 %) and rural (34.52 %) areas. The farmers were categorized based on the extent of repayment across rural urban interface and the results indicated that, 42 per cent of rural farmers, 40 per cent of peri urban and 34 per cent of urban farmers fall under the category of 75 to 100 per cent repayment. Low price, crop loss and higher household expenditure occupied the major reasons for indebtedness of farm households in all the three transacts. Multiple regression analysis was carried out to know the factors affecting repayment capacity and regression results showed that Amount borrowed and interest rate were the factors which significantly affected the repayment capacity of farm households.

Title: Perspective of Jute in a New Realm beyond Sacking
Abstract :

Jute is an eco-friendly, cheap and excellent fibre, traditionally used for sacking and hessian. India produces 80% of jute of total global demand. Owing to environment friendly properties, this ‘golden fiber’ has been used as a safe material for packing and transport. However, dilution of JPM act coupled with competition from synthetic/ man-made fibres, demand of jute for traditional usages i.e. sacking and hessian has decreased over past five years. Under such circumstances, application of jute for diversified product has become necessary for survival of around 44 lakhs direct and indirectly related workers (covering farmers and mill workers) associated with the jute industry. Jute diversified products like shopping bags, wall hangings, floor covering, non-ovens, geo-textiles, composites etc has opened up a new realm beyond traditional application of jute. Export of jute diversified products has increased from INR 363.593 to 590.215 corers during 2012-13 to 2016-17. Present status paper reports various type of jute diversified products along with their market scope, performance and opportunity across the world.

Title: Managing Genetic Resources in Temperate Fruit Crops
Abstract :
Biodiversity representing variation within genetic resources at gene, population, species and ecosystem level is our heritage that makes a key contribution to well-being and sustainable development. India is one of the mega biodiversity-rich countries of the world, with only 2.4% of the land area; it accounts for 7.8% of all the recorded species on this planet and ranks 10th in the world and 4th in Asia in plant diversity. This richness of species and genetic diversity provides many opportunities, which can be achieved through appropriate management of this diversity. There has been a significant progress in introduction, collection, characterization, conservation and utilization of genetic resources of horticultural crops. Germplasm management activities on temperate fruit in India are primarily carried out by NBPGR, however conservation in field gene banks is also done by various institutes. Besides field gene banks, germplasm of temperate fruits is also conserved by cryobanks, in vitro tissue culture. Thus, in the situation of climate change and depletion of natural resources, the challenges are more to feed growing population, so efforts are required for exploring the unexplored areas for collection of horticultural biodiversity for conservation and utilization for the benefit of mankind. In the quest to meet the emerging challenges, the gains with respect to genetic resources have to be sustained and further collection of new genes are required to be looked and utilized for gains where the strong base of horticultural plant biodiversity have to be in driving seat for bringing gene revolution.
Title: Economics of Milk Production in Belagavi District of Karnataka: A Comparative Study on Women Dairy Self-Help Group Members and Non-members
Abstract :

The present investigation was conducted in the Belagavi district of Karnataka to compare the economics of milk production with member and non-members of Women Dairy Self-Help Groups (WDSHGs). The primary data was collected from 90 members and 90 non-members of households from two seasons i.e. rainy and summer in the year 2015-16. The gross cost for maintaining local cow, crossbred cow and buffalo was found to be ` 91.75, ` 146.22 and ` 128.29 for member is more as against ` 88.11 for local cow, ` 142.36 for crossbred cow and ` 124.67 for buffalo in case of non-members. The cost per litre of milk of local cow (` 28.15), crossbred cow (` 20.73) and buffalo (` 26.82) was found to be slightly less for members in comparison to non-members ` 28.91 for local cow, ` 21.10 for crossbred cow and ` 27.08 for buffalo. The net returns per liter of milk was found to be ` -1.74 for local cow, ` 3.76 for crossbred cow and ` 2.45 for buffalo in members were slightly higher as compared to ` -2.57 for local cow, ` 3.18 for crossbred cow and ` 2.02 for buffalo in non-members. Here, net return per liter of milk for local cow is negative because, less productivity of local cow overall the net returns from dairy farming is higher for members as compared to non-members.

Title: Extent of Yield Gap and Constraints in Different Adoption Level of Chickpea in Madhya Pradesh
Abstract :

The study is formulated to assess the extent of yield gap at different adoption levels and identify the constraints responsible for the existing yield gap in chickpea production technology of Madhya Pradesh. The study was carried out in the Khargone district with 60 sample farmers form 5 villages in the state. The study reveals that adoption of improved production technology has lagged far behind. The chickpea productivity could be increased in the area through the judicious use of improved inputs and practices for that purpose. On the other hand, the proper use of improved technology and improved practices of chickpea production need to be demonstrated. Hence, farmers should given priority to use their resources on the basis of economic viability with proper management of their farm so that emphasis should be given on resources availability and their economic use. Economic study to be conducted suggests optimal cropping pattern and practices including recommendations for varying quantities of fertilizer applications under varying price and output situations.

Title: Seed Production Potential of Jute (Corchorus olitorius Linn.) as Affected by Integrated Nutrient Management under Irrigated Midland Rice Ecology for Self-sufficiency of Marginal Farmers
Abstract :
Jute fibre producing states are completely dependent for its most vital critical input i.e., seed on import from South and West Indian states of India like Maharastra, Andhra Pradesh, Telengana and Karnataka. For self-sufficiency, jute seed production potential of irrigated midlands (0-30 ponding) were tested by developing shallow ridges (15 cm high and base width 50 cm) on puddled rice soil from Mid-August to January. Scanty rainfall coupled with cool and dry weather from November to January has opened up a new vista for jute seed production in traditional jute fibre producing areas of Eastern India. Jute seed production was recorded highest (635.83 kg/ha) using N:P2O5:K2O::60:40:40 kg/ha (Recommended Dose of Fertiliser, RDF) along with bone meal 1.0 t/ha (23% more over control). In control (RDF) the jute seed production potential was only 518.33 kg/ha. The RDF along with jute leaf manure @ 0.5 t/ha produced 542 Kg jute seed/ha (5% more over control). Combination of recommended fertiliser and Neem cake @ 0.2 t/ha produced 580 kg jute seed/ha (11.89% more over control). Amongst sole chemical fertiliser treatments, treatment T3 (N:P2O5: K2O:: 100:40:40) produced 579.17 kg jute seed /ha (12% more than RDF). Thus, 3.1 to 3.8 kg jute seed can be harvested from 1.5 cent (60 m2) rice midlands, which is sufficient enough to meet the jute seed requirement of one hectare area, using jute seed drill or jute sowing by regulated broadcast method. Incidentally more than 80% of jute farmers are small and marginal in nature and they grow jute in less than one hectare area. RDF+ jute leaf manures @ 0.5 to 1.0 t/ha recorded higher net returns (` 28600 to ` 32800/ha) owing to its low cost of production and relatively higher seed yield over RDF alone in both the years with higher B:C ratio from 1.56 to 1.63. Application of augmented chemical fertilization T2, N:P2O5:K2O::80:40:40 kg/ha fetched higher net returns (` 30560 to ` 36510/ha) and B: C ratio from 1.58 to 1.70. Thus judicious management can achieve jute seed production in Eastern India and Bangladesh.
Title: Pluralism in Agricultural Extension in India: Imperatives and Implications
Abstract :

Indian extension system is said to be pluralistic in nature with number of agencies involved in delivery of extension services. There are public, private and third sector actors along with information communication technology (ICT) based initiatives proactively involved in information and technology dissemination in agriculture and allied sectors. Some of the actors are involved in the provision of support services also. It has brought added responsibility to public extension like quality assurance along with provision of technical backstopping, and ensuring coordination between different actors in pluralistic extension system. This article tries to reflect on the imperatives for and major actors of pluralistic extension system in India as well as its implications.

Title: Ground Water Lowering and its Adverse Effect on Agriculture in some Productive Villages of Paschim Medinipur District of West Bengal
Abstract :
Ground water is an important source of water supply throughout the world. Its use in irrigation, industries and households continues to increase. Storage of ground water is to be estimated accurately and proper planning is required to ensure continued availability of water supply. Some parts of my study area that is under Daspur I block in the district of Paschim Medinipur of West Bengal registered comparatively low ground water level and which has started to create problems in agricultural activity in these productive land areas especially in pre-monsoon period. So here a study has been made on the six villages of Basudebpur Gram Panchayet of Daspur I block, characterized with comparatively low ground water level. Various uses of ground water have been discussed here. The environmental influence on ground water has been analysed based on meteorological information (Temperature and rainfall data) and secular, seasonal and short term variations of ground water are also been discussed over the study villages. A comparative study is made between present ground water level and the irrigated area of the study area over five years. And finally some methods regarding ground water recharge like artificial recharge method (Ditch and furrow method, Irrigation method, Pit Method) have been suggested for the replenishment of the ground water in the study area which will give a positive impact on agriculture in these study villages.
Title: Millets Consumption Probability and Demand in India: An Application of Heckman Sample Selection Model
Abstract :

This paper aims to analyze the determinants of the choice probability of millet consumption and the demand for major millets at household level in India. For this, we used consumer expenditure survey data collected by the National Sample Survey Organization (NSSO) for the years 2004-05 and 2011-12. Heckman sample selection model was used to estimate the functional relationship between household level characters and millet consumption as zero expenditure is encountered for many of the households in the data set. The analysis revealed that the prices of millets and other food commodities had statistically significant effect on both millet consumption probability and the quantity demanded of millets while per capita income was not an important determinant. It is confirmed that the millets continue to be treated as inferior goods in India. Besides, age of household head has a positive relationship with the millet consumption, whereas larger household size and higher educational level decreased the probability of millet consumption and quantity demanded.

Title: Economic Tools for Evaluating Grape Business
Abstract :

The capital investment and land-use pattern in Indian agriculture has traditionally promoted cereal-based cropping systems. However, diversification towards more productive and profitable crops like grape and other higher returns crops has become the new milestone to be achieved in Indian agriculture. A shift in area towards horticulture crops as a more viable and attractive alternative is a part of such diversification drive. In the present study production and financial feasibility of grape cultivation was done using primary data collected pertaining to Vijayapur district of Karnataka. The results of study revealed an annual establishment cost of ` 1,59,889/ ha with a net returns of ` 3,43,987/ ha. The financial feasibility analysis revealed that the investment in grape orchards can be recovered within five years. The net present values (NPV) were positive and high indicating worthiness of investment in grape business. The estimated B.C. ratio (1.42) was also revealed the profitableness of grape enterprise. The internal rate of return (IRR) was found to be (34.10%) found to be much higher than the cost of capital (12.50%), indicating grape cultivation as a highly profitable enterprise.

Title: Analysis of Factors Triggering Distress Migration in Bundelkhand Region of Central India
Abstract :

Bundelkhand region of central India, a major drought affected area of the country is associated to high level of rural to urban migration. The present study was conducted to analyze the socio-economic characteristics of the migrants and to examine the key factors triggering migration decision of agriculture practicing households. The region was facing drought for the fourth consecutive period which had left the population, mainly dependent on agricultural income, out of option than migration. The analysis of socio-economic profile of migrants showed that majority of the migrants were between the age group of 20-39 (70.1%) and the education level was secondary (54.8%). The population of female migrants was comparatively low, as many of them followed their family to the migrating place after marriage. Majority of the migrants (81.73%) were engaged in unskilled manual labour activities like construction works in destination cities. The various factors identified triggering migration decision were associated to livelihood security, climatic, agricultural, institutional and socio-cultural factors.

Title: Social Costs and Benefits Analysis of Drip Irrigation System in Northern Maharashtra
Abstract :
Water is going to be increasingly scarce and thereby limits the agricultural development in almost all the corner of entire world. Efficient development with proper management of the scarce water resources is the key determinants for achieving food security not only for India, but for the entire world. This paper has analyzed and assessed the associated social costs and benefits with drip irrigation system. The adoption of drip irrigation has significant bearing on the society as a whole and generates various positive and negative externalities. The different components of social benefits are value of energy saved, value of water saved and off-farm employment generation. On the other side, cost of subsidy to the government and forced investment on well are the two components of social costs. The value of electricity saved in monetary terms was observed to be ` 20.3 and 11.01 thousand per ha in sugarcane and banana crops, respectively. Economic value of water used under drip and flood irrigation was computed using Cobb-Douglas production function. Economic value of water used in sugarcane was 19.90 `/m3 and banana cultivation was observed to be 19.13 `/m3. The quantity of water saved by adoption of drip irrigation, in monetary terms was found to be ` 1.1 lakh and ` 69.9 thousand rupees per ha of sugarcane and banana, respectively. As the life span of a drip system is around 10 years, the social costs and benefits have been discounted for 10 years to get the actual social benefit cost ratio. The social benefit cost ratio is found to be 2.08 at 10 per cent discount rate.
Title: Cost of Cultivation and Profitability of Agriculture in West Bengal: A Study with Special Reference to Backward Region of West Bengal
Abstract :

Cost of cultivation is an important factor affecting the profitability of agriculture in West Bengal. We have considered here cost of production of six major crops, namely paddy, jute, mustard, potato, til and pulses. Cost of cultivation increased over the years for paddy, potato, jute, mustard, pulses and til. There occurred a decline in percentage of family labour cost (imputed) to total cost of cultivation. It reflects that family labourers are not interested in cultivation of these crops while being devoted to other means of economic livelihood and the cultivators depend more and more on casual labourers for cultivation of those crops. Percentages of fertilizers cost and rental value of owned land also registered increase during this period for these crops. The production cost and returns of different size of landholdings in different crops cultivation have been calculated based on field survey data in the backward region of Paschim Medinipur district. The farmers are getting relatively high net returns or profit from vegetables, mustard and potato cultivation and relatively low returns from paddy cultivation. Higher net income was the main driving force for shifting towards vegetables cultivation. Net return per unit of labour and unit cost of production has been compared with those of cereals and other crops. It was noted that most of the vegetables were more profitable than cereals and other crops.