Earnings Of Farmers Research Articles

Agri-Tech startups transforming vegetable supply chains in Coimbatore

This research investigates the transformative role of digital agri-tech startups in optimizing vegetable supply chains in Coimbatore District, Tamil Nadu, India, with an emphasis on improving agricultural productivity and farmer welfare. Despite a marked 45% decline in agri-tech sector investments between the financial years 2021-2022 and 2022-2023, attributed to global interest rate hikes and economic uncertainties, startups such as WayCool, Farmers Fresh Zone and Farm again have demonstrated significant potential in enhancing supply chain efficiency and supporting farmer livelihoods through technological innovations. Employing a mixed-methods approach, this study integrates both qualitative and quantitative data derived from surveys, field visits, and interviews. Key performance indicators analyzed include Price Spread, Marketing Efficiency, Cost-Benefit Ratio and Productivity. Advanced econometric tools, including logistic regression and propensity score matching, were used to assess the impact of technology adoption on farmers’ outcomes. The results reveal that farmers utilizing digital platforms for crops such as onion and tomato achieved higher market prices, improved marketing efficiency and superior financial performance compared to those employing the conventional methods. Despite persisting challenges like resistance to technology adoption and inadequate internet connectivity, the findings emphasize the potential for substantial growth in the sector, driven by technological innovations. The study emphasizes the need to develop user friendly digital platforms, strengthen internet and technological infrastructure, and enhance government support through financial incentives and clear policy frameworks to encourage the broader use of agri-tech solutions. Overall, the research highlights the significant potential of digital agricultural technologies to improve farming practices, increase farmer earnings, and serve as a model that can be adapted to similar agricultural regions.

A Study on Revenue Distribution of Chinese Agricultural E-Commerce Supply Chain Based on the Modified Shapley Value Method

With the rapid development of e-commerce in China, “live broadcast + e-commerce” has become an emerging mode of the e-commerce industry. The speedy growth of the digital economy has also provided a favorable external environment for fresh agricultural products to ride on the e-commerce express train. As a result, more and more suppliers of fresh agricultural products choose to sell their products on e-commerce platforms and conduct live streaming. This paper utilizes the e-commerce supply chain field survey data, takes tomato as the specific analyzed variety, and studies the revenue distribution pattern of each subject in the supply chain. The purpose of this paper is to explore the optimization strategy of the revenue distribution of an agricultural e-commerce supply chain, and the results show that the agricultural e-commerce supply chain effectively promotes the matching of supply and demand of medium- and high-end agricultural products, realizes the quality premium of medium- and high-end agricultural products, and significantly improves the overall revenue level of the supply chain. The field survey found that under the supply chain model of “farmers + cooperatives + e-commerce platform”, farmers, cooperatives, and e-commerce platforms gained $2865, $3098, and $1111, respectively, for operating one mu of tomatoes in a year. According to the traditional Shapley value method, from the point of view of the contribution to the cooperative income, part of the income of the farmers and cooperatives should be compensated to the e-commerce platform, and the specific results are as follows: the income of the farmers should be reduced from $2865 to $2729, the income of the cooperatives should be reduced from $3099 to $2955, and the income of the e-commerce platform should be increased from $1111 to $1390. According to the Shapley value method based on the risk coefficient correction, from the perspective of risk compensation, part of the earnings of the e-commerce platform should be compensated to farmers and cooperatives, so as to establish a more equitable and reasonable pattern of earnings distribution, with the specific results: the earnings of farmers should be increased to $3205, the earnings of cooperatives should be increased to $3148, and the earnings of the e-commerce platform should be reduced to $722.

Unveiling the Welfare Puzzle: Exploring Fertilizer Subsidy Effects on Farmer's Earnings in Indonesia

This study investigates the unresolved issue of how fertilizer subsidies affect paddy production and farmer income, a critical aspect of Indonesia's agricultural policy that has not been fully understood. By analyzing panel data from 33 provinces between 2019 and 2022 using the Generalized Least Squares (GLS) method, the research explores both income dynamics and productivity. Results reveal that NPK and SP36 fertilizers boost paddy yields by 0.198% and 0.155%, respectively, while UREA and ZA have no significant impact on production. Additionally, rising wages reduce production by 1.343% but increase farmer income by 0.332%. These findings highlight the complexity of balancing productivity with farmer welfare, suggesting that while fertilizer subsidies can enhance yields, they are not a universal solution. Policymakers must consider multifaceted approaches that address both productivity and sustainable income growth to ensure long-term welfare improvements for Indonesian farmers.

Special research on well-being and earning of rice farmers in Laos: Survey of Official Development Assistant (ODA) projects and economic analysis

Farmers in rural areas can only earn revenue from rice farming which rice farming supports their better lives. Agricultural knowledge is a potential incentive for promoting well-being. This paper was survey research, there were two sections: 1) the author utilized an econometric approach to analyze the earnings of farmers from 10 provinces from 2017–2021; there were 1120 farmers involved in the survey; 2) the author used an economic evaluation approach to analyze effectiveness and efficiency of ODA by using data from 1110 farmers in 2018; 1205 farmers in 2019; and 1330 farmers in 2020. ODA is Instrumental Variables (IV) in the mincer model, ODA promotes agricultural knowledge for farmers, and of course, agricultural knowledge promotes revenue for farmers. The 2SLS and maximum likelihood are essential for the quartic function of mincer. Evaluation approaches from OECD/DAC and PCAP/JICA were utilized to compare the results of well-being indicators called basic human needs (BHN). According to the results of this study, the earnings of farmers who joined ODA projects were higher than the earnings of farmers who did not join ODA projects. The result of the economic evaluation approach found ‘ineffectiveness’; on the other hand, the author could find the efficiency of ODA projects. Finally, the recommendation is that the government policy on BHN should be consistently linked to the ODA program made by both the government and donors. Certainly, BHN policy for farmers who are minorities is necessary such as providing rice fields to be utilized for free, this will lead to chances for farmers to enhance their well-being from rice production.

A new method for assessing the marketing efficiency of agricultural marketing channels

Purpose. This study aims to introduce a new method for assessing the efficiency of agricultural marketing channels. This innovative method rectifies the deficiencies inherent in earlier methods by encircling all channel participants in evaluating marketing efficiency, thereby delivering a more detailed assessment. Methodology / approach. The present study first identified the shortcomings of the old methods based on a literature review and then attempted to propose a new method for calculating marketing efficiency by overcoming these issues. The efficiency of marketing channels is calculated based on primary data collected from two randomly selected agriculture markets in Delhi, marketing cooperative societies operating in Delhi, and their respective intermediaries, flour mills, and consumers in the channel. The study’s sample size is 179 respondents, including all the channel members. After that, a comparison is made between traditional methods and the proposed method. Results. Results of this study show that the proposed method gives a better idea of the efficiency of marketing channels than the old methods, namely the Acharya’s approach, the Shepard’s method and the input-output approach. These methods ignore the crucial role of producers, focusing on overall margins and costs. They can call a channel efficient even if producers receive minimal benefits, necessitating a revised approach. The proposed method has two parts: (1) the ratio of overall channel benefit to cost, excluding consumers, to avoid misleading results, indicating higher benefits for channel members; (2) the ratio of the net price received by farmers to the price paid by consumers, reflecting farmer earnings. By separating marketing margins and costs, the proposed method simplifies previous complexities. Using the channel benefit-to-cost ratio and the farmer’s price-to-consumer price ratio, this method offers an accurate and comprehensive assessment, addressing flaws in Acharya’s approach. Originality / scientific novelty. The proposed method is the only method that takes care of every channel member rather than just focusing on producers / farmers. This method considers factors such as the price received by farmers (gross and net), marketing margins, marketing costs, and the price paid by consumers. Unlike old methods, this method focuses on adding value per channel, not on the number of intermediaries. Practical value / implications. The proposed method facilitates an effortless comparison of marketing efficiency for all channel members, especially farmers. Its simplicity makes it a valuable tool for policymakers to formulate effective strategies for enhancing overall channel efficiency. Researchers can also use this method in efficiency-focused studies related to agriculture and its products, gaining a comprehensive understanding of agricultural marketing channels.

Climate change and its Impact on Agriculture

Global agriculture is facing serious problems from climate change, which will affect agricultural productivity, water availability, and rural lives. This study looks at the many effects of climate change on agriculture, emphasizing important patterns, weak points, and mitigation techniques. An rise in the severity of extreme weather events, altered precipitation patterns, and rising temperatures all cause disruptions to agricultural systems, which has an impact on animal production and crop yields. Problems with irrigation management and food security are made worse by changes in water supply and quality. Socioeconomic ramifications of vulnerable areas include decreased farmer earnings, food insecurity, and rural poverty, especially in emerging nations. Adaptation methods are critical for strengthening agricultural systems' resilience in the context of climate change. Adoption of agricultural types resistant to climate change, better water management techniques, and encouragement of sustainable land-use practices are some of these tactics. In order to promote international collaboration, integrate climate adaptation into national development objectives, and support climate-smart agriculture, policy interventions and institutional frameworks are essential. In order to adopt adaptive measures and maintain sustainable food production systems, policymakers, researchers, farmers, and stakeholders must work together to address the implications of climate change on agriculture

Loan Utilisation and Repayment Behaviour: Evidence from Farmers of Haryana

Abstract Subject and purpose of work: The present paper assesses the loan utilisation and repayment behaviour of loanee or indebted farmers in Haryana, India. Materials and methods: The study was conducted in Haryana state. The study is based on primary data that have been collected through schedules from a sample of 600 indebted farmers. Proportionate sampling was employed. Further, a percentage is used for data analysis. Results: The study found that about half of the loan amount was utilised by farmers in nonproductive activities that directly stimulate the debt burden on them, because this type of expenditure did not contribute to the earnings of farmers. Further, around two-fifth of the farmers were regularly repaying their loans, one fifth were defaulters and remaining two-fifth were paying their loan irregularly. Overall, Farmers’ repayment behaviour is not satisfactory. Conclusions: The non-productive usage of the loan amount is one of the main causes of their indebtedness. Reducing such expenditure is one of the main challenges for farmers without generating other sources of income.

ANALISIS PERBANDINGAN USAHATANI KARET PROGRAM REGU RPBSK DAN USAHATANI KARET RAKYAT DI KABUPATEN TANAH BUMBU PROVINSI KALIMANTAN SELATAN

This research aim to to comparison analyse of Rubber Effort Program RPBSK and People Rubber Effort Tanah Bumbu Regency South Kalimantan Province with revenue rubber effort variable, Rubber Area Tap, Crop Economic Age, Production and Rubber Revenue.
 The results of the research showed that rubber area tap much better with RPBSK Program, Longer crop economic age, higher rubber production and higher rubber revenue with RPBSK compared to non-RPBSK program. Earnings obtained by farmer responder in one month equal to Rp. 11.427.510, compared to non RPBSK farmer earnings mean of Rp. 6.117.097,26

STUDY OF CHANGES IN THE CULTIVATION AREA, IRRIGATED AREA, PRODUCTION & PRODUCTIVITY OF DIFFERENT CROPS IN THE STATE OF UTTAR PRADESH

India is one of the largest producers of food grains in the world. One of the major contributors to this achievement is the state of Uttar Pradesh. The state has seen significant contributions coming in due to focus of governments and farmers on it.Other factor is the huge demand for cereals in the global market that is creating an excellent environment for the export of Indian cereal & food grains. All food grain types have seen significant changes in their area of cultivation to coverage under irrigated area. Increase in sown area also has led to increase in production. Additionally, good farming practices, availability of irrigation water have contributed largely to increase in average yield of most of the food grains in the state for the period under study. Increase in sown area, it seems has also been driven by opportunity to increase earnings of farmers. This study has covered primarily, area of production, irrigated area, absolute production, and average yield of various crops which are cultivated in the state of Uttar Pradesh for the period from 2006-07 to 2012-13.

Analisis Usaha Pengolahan Tembakau Aspen di Desa Wonosari Kecamatan Trucuk Kabupaten Klaten

Mount the farmer earnings most coming from result from that yield up the ghost Agriculture very required in sustaining life one day represent one of agricultural produce and represent the economics activity Where com pany smoke very of raw material tabacco to be made a product become in the form of cigarette This reasearch aim to to analyse the level of storey lavel advantage, efficiency and added value obtained from effort processing of tobacco asepian countryside of Jonasari of subdistrict of trucuk of regency klaten Method used in this reasearch method survey, and determination of area sampel use the method of purposive sampling. Where election a group of subjeck based for characteristic or nature of certain which fooked into have in respect of clinging very hand in glove with the characteristic or nature of known population previously From advantage result of is effort processing of tobacco got advantage equal to Rp 27.007.819.41, efficiency equal to 1.22 and added value equal to 2,03. Keyword: Advantage, efficiency, added value

Evaluation of Hawaiian Heritage Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.) Breeding Lines

Producing ‘Hawaiian Heritage’ cultivars can raise the market value of locally grown sweet potatoes and increase small farmer earnings in Hawaii. Twelve sweet potato breeding lines (Ipomea batatas L.), derived from the Hawaiian maternal parent ‘Mohihi’, together with four check varieties, were trialed under organic management conditions across three environments (site-year combinations) in Oahu, Hawaii (Waimānalo-2018, Waimānalo-2019 and Poamoho-2019). Trials were harvested five months after planting, consistent with local commercial production standards. There were significant differences in fresh harvest yield, post-curing yield, shape, and quality between environments and cultivars. The ‘Hawaiian Heritage’ lines HM 26 and HM 34 outperformed the commercial standard, demonstrating the potential use of traditional Hawaiian germplasm in modern breeding programs. Additionally, ‘Hawaiian Heritage’ lines (e.g., HM 32 and HM 17) with unique traits favored by the local community may be suitable breeding materials for niche markets.

Analysis of Awareness Level of Agricultural Insurance among the Stakeholders in Punjab

The flagship program Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana was launched on 13th January 2016 that aims to improve the productivity and earnings of farmers and Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme (WBCIS) aims to mitigate the hardship of the insured farmers against the likelihood of financial loss on account of anticipated crop loss resulting from adverse weather conditions which was restructured and launched by GOI in March, 2016. Both the schemes PMFBY & MWBCIS have not been implemented in the state of Punjab but there have been wide publicity of both the schemes at district level camps organised by the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). Keeping in view this study analyses the awareness level of these two schemes were among the three stakeholders viz; scientists, extensionists and farmers. Majority of the scientists aware about of the features of PMFBY& WBCIS like coverage of crop, risk coverage whereas less aware about the post-harvest coverage losses. Only 37 percent of scientists were aware about the insurance unit to be village panchayat where as 28 percent of scientists were aware that the sum insured in same for loanee and non loanee farmers and similar trend of awareness was also found for the extensionists. Almost more than half of the progressive farmers were aware regarding the various aspects of PMFBY. There is a need to make the famers aware about crop/weather insurance through awareness programme. Insurance education can be incorporated into various training programmes organized on risk management.

Analisis Komparatif Pendapatan Petani Pelaksana Pengelolaan Tanaman Terpadu Padi Sawah dengan Petani Non Pelaksana Pengelolaan Tanaman Terpadu Padi Sawah di Desa Pugaan Kecamatan Pugaan Kabupaten Tabalong

This is research result with aim to for the cost analysis of, acceptance and comparison of earnings of farmer of executor of manajement of inwrought crop (PTT) by execute management of inwrought crop of rice field paddy. This research is executed by in Countryside of Pugaan Sub-Province of Tabalong. Election of farmer of sampel by purposive counted 23 people for the farmer of executor of PTT rice field paddy and by random sampling counted 23 people for farmer oflis non executor of PTT rice field paddy. Data which used in this research in the form of primary data and data of sekunder collected with interview technique, and record-keeping of survey. Management of inwrought crop ( Paddy rice field PTT ) are new innovation to solve various problem of improvement of paddy crop productivity. Result of analysis of that flattening to flatten in one hectare is expense of for the executor of PTT Rp. 20.046.618,45 and to the non executor of PTT Rp. 16.641.386,9, while result produce Rp. 22. 638.000 and Rp. 17.801.640,85. Earnings for the farmer of executor of PTT is Rp. 17.232.171,05 in one hectare, for farmer of non executor of PTT is Rp. 12.755.601,16 in one hectare. Of the analysis result concluded that flattening to flatten in one hectare of expense of, acceptance and earnings of farmer of executor of higher PTT than farmer of non executor of PTT

TINGKAT KELAYAKAN USAHA CABAI HIYUNG (Capsicumfrutescens) DI BEBERAPA LUAS LAHAN DI DESA HIYUNG KECAMATAN TAPIN TENGAN KABUPATEN TAPIN KALIMANTAN SELATAN

Chili raw hiyung is the local flagship of Tapin Regency which is especially cultivated by farmers in Hiyung Village. The feasibility level is important in a business with the aim of obtaining a picture or clarity on a reasonable and more profitable land area. The study was conducted on 14 farmers with stratified random sampling and simple random sampling to determine the sample of each group. The results showed that the total cost of the average breeder Farmer I of Rp. 15,065,435, - and Farmer II amounting to Rp. 38,777,595, - with average production of Farmer I 1,078 kg and Farmer II of 2578 kg. average earnings of Farmer I amounted to Rp. 32,860,919, - and Farmer II amounting to Rp. 78,520,724, - farmer's average income of Rp. 25,119,484, - and Farmer II amounting to Rp.54.524.129, - and RCR average Farmers I of 2.15 and Farmer II of 2.04.

ANALISIS RANTAI NILAI KOMODITI KELAPA (Cocos nucifera L.) DI DISTRIK MISOOL UTARA KABUPATEN RAJA AMPAT

Besides using area approach, pre-eminent product development such as coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) commodities in North Misool also need apply value chain approach. The aim of this research were to know both value chain and the strategic value of coconut product as main agriculture commodity in North Misool. Primary data collecting technique was conducted by means of structural semi interview method for man to man of respondent ar by using focus group discussion. Data type collected in this study was classified to primary and secondary data. Primary data obtained by interview to all of importance respondents and field observation, while secondary data sekunder obtained from literacy study from government agency documents and reports such as BPS, Bappeda, and other relevant references. Data collection was analysed by using the qualitative method. The result of research showed that the rate of the coconut plantation harvest in North Misool was 1,646 hectare, with coconut production reach up to 805.94 tones per year and the mean of its contribution for earnings of farmers was equal to 4.97 million rupiah per month. The value chain of coconut product was started by production, processing and copra gathering gone the round of altogether sold to interisland merchant then selling copra to Bitung. The program to increase both productivity and agribisnis of coconut was estimated can increased coconut product up to 10% per year.

Design and Evaluation of Tea-Plucking Machine for Improving Quality of Tea

Abstract. Tea harvesting has always been tedious work. Tea harvesting mechanization is still incomplete in most tea-planting areas. To improve the mechanization of tea plucking, this article introduces a self-propelled track-type tea-plucking machine which mainly consists of a track chassis, an elevator system, a cutting system, and a transmission system. In this article, the structure and functions of the main parts of the self-propelled tea-plucking machine are introduced in detail. Additionally, the rigid body motion model was established. Next, orthogonal experiments (the factors were travel speed and the speed ratio of cutting to traveling) were conducted with three factor levels, and to choose the optimal factor level combination, fuzzy synthesize evaluation was conducted on the results of the orthogonal experiments. The motion model showing that the cutter moves in a cosine law and that the inertia force of the drive shaft and blades also move in a cosine law while working. The experiment reveals that (1) both travel speed and speed ratio of cutting to traveling have a significant effect on the quality (integrity rate, unpicking rate, stubble unevenness) of plucked tea leaves, and (2) the interaction affects only the integrity rate. The fuzzy synthesize evaluation indicates that the optimal factors are as follows: the cutting speed is 0.3 m/s, and the speed ratio of cutting to traveling is 1.0. With this set of parameters, the plucking integrity increased by 20% compared with Japan’s ride-on-type tea-plucking machine. This research made considerable progress in the mechanization of tea plucking, which reduces the cost for employing pickers, enhances the earnings of farmers by improving the quality and price of tea, and supports the sustainable development of tea industry. Keywords: Agricultural machinery, Experiment, Fuzzy synthesize evaluation, Harvest, Hydraulic, Tea.

Does Education level lead to Higher Earnings of Farmers and Businessmen in Pakistan? A Case Study of District Bahawalnagar

The current study examines the role of education on earnings in informal sector. By using stratified random sampling technique sample of 382 individuals is collected through questionnaire and interviews. Ordinary least square method is applied for statistical estimation on data. Education of the respondent in years and categories of education variable from primary to M. Phil. level, age of the respondent, experience, gender, area of living, spouse education, mother’s education, household size, size of land, livestock, availability of healthy diet, investment, and rental property are positively associated with earnings of farmers and businessmen, whereas age square, experience square, schooling of respondent, technical education, working hours, father’s education, marital status and spouse job are negatively associated with earnings of farmers and businessmen.

Pengaruh Iklim dan Fluktuasi Harga Bawang Merah dan Bawang Putih terhadap Pendapatan Petani (Studi Kasus pada Petani Sayur di Pacet Mojokerto)

Many people are involved in the vegetable trade business, the majority of farmers in Pacet plunge in planting shallot and garlic, Along with the number of traders, the majority of demand more and more, and when the harvest price is very low and make the farmers lose, and when the season Rain arrives, farmers in the Pacet region many do not plant, so the scarcity of shallot and garlic price is rising. The purpose of this paper is the influence of climate and price fluctuations simultaneously affect the farmer's income, climate influence and price fluctuations affect partially on the market, the variables that predominantly affect the income level of farmers.
 The results showed that climate and fluctuation influence simultaneously to farmer's earnings that is X1 (Climate) and X2 (Price fluctuation) obtained F value count bigger than F table value (4,391> 3,35). Climate and price fluctuation have partial effect to farmer's income t value (3,45> 2,055) with significance level less than 0,05 0.008 and t variable X2 (price fluctuation) bigger than t table (8.561> 2.055) with significance level below 0.05 ie 0.002. And the most dominant variable influencing farmer's income is price fluctuation from SPSS result shows between variable X1 (climate) and variable X2 (price fluctuation) obtained In variable X1, pearson correlation 0,381 <pearson correlation X2 0,081 This means that variable X2 price fluctuations are more influential on farmers' income.

HUBUNGAN PROGRAM PENGEMBANGAN USAHA AGRIBISNIS PERDESAAN (PUAP) TERHADAP KINERJA KELOMPOK TANI DI KECAMATAN SERAWAIKABUPATEN SINTANG

This research aim to analyse correlation program of Development Effort Agribisnis Countryside (PUAP) to Productivity Group Farmer in District Serawai and to know and analyse correlation program Development Effort Agribisnis Countryside (PUAP) to make-up of Productivity, Production, Revenue, Earnings and Cost of Farming in District Serawai. Hypothesis the raised is Anticipated farmer which accept fund of PUAP, productivity, production, revenue, earnings and cost of farmer bigger than a farmer which do not accept fund of PUAP in District Serawai. Anticipated thecorrelation program of Development Effort Agribisnis Countryside (PUAP) to make-up of farming production and earnings of farmer in District Serawai. This Research use descriptive method with quantitative approach. Data collected by dividing kuesioner to responder and with interview to elite figure and responder. Research executed in Bedaha countryside and Tunas Harapan countryside in January to March 2013. Population which is taken in this research four farmer group in Bedaha countryside and four farmer group in Tunas Harapan countryside. Taken Sampel by purposive counted 20 responder people each lot farmer. Amount of entirety sampel is 160 people. Conclusion, this research prove that farmer which accept fund of PUAP, productivity, production of farming and earnings of farmer bigger than a farmer which do not accept fund of PUAP in District Serawai. Raised by Suggestion is adjacent and tuition on an ongoing basis very expected by local farmer. Or courses training which must be passed to program receiver farmer, this is meant farmer to be able to exploit PUAP fund according to order. Keyword: Productivity, Production, Revenue, Earnings, Cost

English

Banana yield and quality in Malawi is low due to drought, low fertility and poor management practices. Therefore, a comparative researcher-managed and farmer-managed irriagated banana study was initiated in 2004/2005 to develop guidelines and promote banana irrigation optimisation for small-scale farmers. Specifically, the research aimed to determine and compare researcher-managed and farmer-managed optimum irrigation in respect to banana yield, quality, income and gross margins, and facilitate transfer of banana irrigation technology to farmers. Irrigation treatments ranged from 0, 50 and 100% evapotranspiration (ET) of estimated banana ET, laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replicates. Irrigation was scheduled using the soil moisture balance system. The results of banana production and gross margin analysis for both researcher-managed and farmer-managed experiments showed that average yield and quality increased linearly with increasing irrigation. Highly significant differences (P < 0.001) were observed between amounts of applied water in average bunch weight, average hand weight and average finger weight per hectare both under researcher-managed and farmer-managed fields, respectively. The gross margin analysis showed negative gross margin under non-irrigated banana enterprise and positive gross margin at 100% ET for both researcher-and farmer-managed fields, respectively. Irrigation raised farmer earnings from -4 to 27 US$/day (non-irrigated to irrigated banana) and it was optimal to produce banana under 100% ET. The findings showed that banana enterprise has a commercial orientation that can reduce poverty for smallholder farmers. It is recommendable that Malawi and other countries should advocate banana irrigation agribusiness because it can facilitate the attainment of food security and poverty reduction. Key words: Irrigation scheduling, evapotranspiration, gross margin, banana.