"Economic Sustainability of Vegetable Farming by Self-Help Group Members and Non Members: An Assertive Study in Himachal Pradesh"

Abstract

"Vegetable cultivation have paved new path in economic development for farmers in Himachal Pradesh but information on future viability and sustainability is still lacking. This study was conducted in the state of Himachal Pradesh to find out economic sustainability index (ESI) for vegetable farms of SHG members vis-à-vis other farmers. The study revealed higher economic sustainability of vegetable farms belongs to SHG members in comparison to other farmers. Indicators of economic sustainability, viz. production efficiency, net profit and market accessibility were found to be significantly higher for SHG members than other farmers. Socioeconomic characteristics like education, land holding, vegetable production and extension contacts proved to have significant and positive effect on economic sustainability index. Although SHG approach found to improve economic sustainability in vegetable farming, very few vegetable farms found to be in highly sustainable category, So, there is untapped potential to cover more vegetable growing farmers under self-help groups to harness the benefits of group dynamics in strengthening vegetable production in the state."