Vol. 12, Special Issue 8 (2023)

Author(s):
Avinash Bhandekar, Dr. MK Deshmukh, Dr. Vijay Kumar Chaudhary, Shubhi Singh and Shubham Kumar Thakur

Abstract:
The economic analysis of chilli crop cultivation in Kabirdham district, Chhattisgarh, India, unveiled intriguing insights. Surprisingly, the cost of cultivation per hectare was found to be higher on large farms compared to small ones. The major cost contributors were human labor, seeds, manures, fertilizers, machine power, plant protection, irrigation, depreciation, bullock labor, and land revenue. Despite the challenges, the crop exhibited promise, with a yield of 10.9 quintals per hectare and a cost of production at Rs. 936.68 per quintal. The returns were encouraging, with a gross return of Rs. 218,000 and a net return of Rs. 115,893.13 per hectare, translating into an input-output ratio of 1:2.14.Interestingly, small spice growers predominantly relied on the producer → consumer marketing channel for selling chilli and fenugreek. Other channels, such as producer → commission agent → consumer and producer → wholesaler → retailer → consumer, were also explored. Overall, the study emphasized the profitability of chilli cultivation in the region, suggesting the adoption of improved production practices to curtail costs and bolster profits.