Efficiency, Yield Gap and Constraints Analysis in Irrigated vis-a-vis Rainfed Sugarcane in North Coastal Zone of Andhra Pradesh

Abstract

The economics of yield gap in irrigated and rainfed sugarcane cultivation have been studied in North Coastal Zone of Andhra Pradesh for the period 2008–09 by collecting data on various aspects of costs and returns. Budgeting techniques, cost concepts, benefit cost ratio (BCR), yield gap analysis and responsepriority index have been used for the analysis. The study has shown that the value of BCR is higher for plant crop in irrigated (1.49) than in rainfed (1.43) regions. The yield gap between irrigated and rainfed regions has been found to be 67.8 per cent, in which input usage had a higher (41.86%) effect than cultural practices (25.93%). The most important constraint in sugarcane cultivation is shortage of labour during crucial operations. Therefore, irrigated sugarcane is more remunerative and yields can be sustainable if constraints are addressed and a proper package of practices is followed.