Economics of farm mechanisation in bengalgram cultivation in Northern Dry Zone of Karnataka

Abstract

This paper attempts to evaluate the impact of mechanisation in bengalgram cultivation in northern dry zone of Karnataka. The study was based on primary data, obtained through personal interview method using well-structured and pre-tested schedules. The total sample size was 60. The data pertained to the year 2017-18. The budgeting technique and output decomposition model were used to evaluate the impact of mechanization. Extent of reduction in human labour and bullock labour was 18.30 man days and 13.00 pair days by adopting mechanization. The expenditure of non-mechanised farmers was Rs. 4,497.95 higher than mechanised farmers in cultivating bengalgram. The mechanised farms used slightly fewer quantities of inputs compared to non-mechanised farms. Yield was observed to be higher in mechanised farms (9.49 q/ha). While the non-mechanised farmers incurred loss due to higher cost of cultivation. The cost of cultivation was Rs. 124.71 higher than gross return. The output decomposition model revealed that mechanised farms produced 47.23 per cent higher income in bengalgram than that in non-mechanised farms. The mechanisation alone contributed 50.10 per cent increase in income, while fewer labour use of inputs depressed the income marginally.