Economics of Kharif Sorghum Production in Southern Dry Zone of Karnataka

Abstract

The decline in food grain production in general and sorghum cultivation in particular is a major concern for policy makers and planners. This study presents trends in sorghum production, economic viability, possibilities for bridging yield gap in sorghum cultivation using primary data in Chamarajanagara district representing southern dry zone of Karnataka. Sorghum, a major dry land crop of Karnataka showed negative growth rate in production (-0.4%) which is mainly due to decline in area (-3.8%). Decomposition analysis reveals that area effect is higher for change in production of sorghum. Economic viability of sorghum showed that net returns were relatively higher among small farmers (Rs. 7264 per ha) followed by medium farmers (Rs 4503 per ha) and large farmers (Rs 1681 per ha).There is scope for enhancing present sorghum yield by 66 to 70% among the farmers. To bridge this gap, the use of recommended levels of input is most essential. Path coefficient analysis indicated significant correlation of yield gap with N gap and P gap. Variation in rainfall, and soil fertility problems are the major constraints faced by farmers. Sorghum is severely damaged by wild pig in the study area which results in wide variability in the incomes of the farmer.