Net Returns Research Articles

Efficiency and Performance of Top Indian Pharmaceutical Firms: A Comparative Analysis

The Indian pharmaceutical industry has made significant strides in the past five decades and is an important contributor to the provision of quality healthcare services in any economy. This paper studies the efficiency of selected top ten pharmaceutical companies by applying Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) under constant return to scale (CRS) model and variable returns t ale (VRS) model. The inputs used in the study are assets, salaries, and wages. The outputs used are Return on Asset, and Net Profits. The study found Divis Laboratories and Sun Pharma to be most efficient under CRS and Sun Pharma was found to be most efficient under VRS models during 2019 – 2023. Seven pharmaceutical companies were working under Increasing returns to scale, two were working under constant returns to scale and one was performing under decreasing returns to scale. Return on assets, Net Profit margin and Return on Capital Employed Ratio were used to study financial performance of the pharmaceutical companies. Abbot India had the highest return on assets (17.948%). Divis Labs had the highest Net Profit Margin (27.76%). Mankind Pharma led in Return on Capital Employed (27.524%), This result further adds to the result provided by DEA. Companies found to be efficient by DEA were found to have high performance standards. Also, through the regression analysis the impact of variables Return on Capital Employed (ROCE) and Net profits margin (NPM) on Return on Asset (ROA) was studied. Returns on Assets (ROA) are 93.6% dependent on Net profits margin and Return on Capital Employed. There is significant (p-value = 0.000) relationship between Return on Asset (ROA), Net profits margin (NPM) and Return on Capital Employed (ROCE).

Response of green gram [Vigna radiata (L) Wilczek] to application of biofertilizers and phosphorus

The present study was carried out at the Crop Research Centre, Carrier Point University, Kota (Rajasthan), during the kharif season of 2020 and 2021 to assess the effect of phosphorus, rhizobium and phosphate solubilizing bacteria on growth and yield attributes of green gram. Significantly increase in growth, yield attributes and yield of green gram were recorded with the application of phosphorus 50 kg P2 O5 /ha. In case of biofertilizers (PSB, Rhizobium and PSB + Rhizobium), all growth and yield attributes and yield were increased significantly. However, among treatment combinations, the maximum values of these parameters were observed with 50 kg P2 O5 /ha + biofertilizers (PSB + Rhizobium) in comparison to all other treatment combinations. The net returns and B: C ratio were also higher under 50 kg P2 O5 /ha + biofertilizers (PSB + Rhizobium).

Impact of mulching and nutrient management under pulses based cropping systems on vertisols of southern transitional zone of Karnataka

A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of mulching and nutrient management under different pulse based cropping system during 2018-19 at Indian Institute Pulses Research, Regional Research Station, Dharwad, Karnataka, India. The field experiment was conducted in deep black soil using split-split plot design with three replications. The treatments comprised of four cropping systems i.e., maize-chickpea, soybean-chickpea, groundnut-chickpea and mungbean-sorghum and two levels of fertilisation (farmers practise and recommended rate of fertilisers) with mulching and without mulching. The pooled yield of different crops under cropping system was significantly higher with mulching and recommended rate of fertilizer application. Among the different cropping systems, maize-chickpea was recorded significantly higher chickpea equivalent yield (3867 kg/ha) compared to other cropping system. Application of recommended rate of fertilizers resulted in higher chickpea equivalent yield of 2794 kg/ha over farmers’ practice. Among the mulching practices, mulching with crop residues recorded significantly higher chickpea equivalent yield of 4257 kg/ha over no mulching (3754 kg/ha). Higher yields of component crops are reported in recommended rate of fertilisers with mulching. Hence, for realising higher system productivity and net returns, it is better to grow maize during kharif season followed by chickpea in rabi season with recommended rate of fertilisers and crop residue mulching for in-situ moisture conservation.

Response of Biofertilizer and Biochar on Growth and Yield of Baby Corn

The field experiment was conducted at Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Naini Agriculture Institute, SHUATS, Prayagraj, UP, during the Zaid season of 2023. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with ten treatment combinations which are replicated thrice. The experiment involves with the biofertilizers like azospirillum(10g and 20g/kg seed),azotobacter(10g and 20g/kg seed) along with biochar(0t/ha,10t/ha,40t/ha). Among the various treatment combinations in (treatment-9) with the application of Azospirillum 10g/kg seed along with Azotobacter 10 g/kg seed and Biochar 40 t/ha significantly recorded higher plant height (117.13 cm), plant dry weight (34.33 g), cobs/plant (1.87), cob length without husk (14.58 cm), cob weight without husk (12.09 g) and cob yield without husk (4.70 t/ha). Maximum gross returns (2,35,000.00 ₹/ha), were obtained in (treatment-9) whereas maximum net returns (1,27,001.00 ₹/ha) and higher benefit cost ratio (1.74) was obtained in (treatment-8) with application of Azospirillum 10g/kg seed along with Azotobacter 10g/kg seed and Biochar 10 t/ha.

Appraisal of extended cane length and fruit thinning strategies on the performance of growth yield and quality of kiwifruit

The kiwifruit has been identified as an enormous fruit for mid-hill horticulture due to its wider adaptability and diversification. The size and quality of kiwifruit were affected by its market. As a result, appropriate canopy management and orchard techniques are key components in its production. Pruning and hand thinning, especially in kiwifruit, have been observed to improve the size and quality of the fruit. Traditional pruning maintained shorter canes with 6–12 nodes and 4 fruits/shoots. However, this study extended cane length and retained loads of 20 nodes/cane and 6 fruits/shoot. Considering the above, a study was conducted to determine the effects of extended cane length and fruit thinning on kiwifruit growth, yield, and fruiting performance. Five pruning levels have been employed: 8, 10, 12, 14, and 16 nodes/cane; 4, 6, and 8 fruits/fruiting shoot. The result revealed that the pruning of up to 12 nodes/cane coupled with thinning up to 6 fruits/fruiting shoot resulted in maximum cane diameter, leaf area, leaf: fruit ratio, advancement in flower initiation, bud break percentage (86.79 %), real fertility index, fruit yield and a proportion of grade “A" fruits. The highest leaf chlorophyll content (67.50), flowers per floral shoot, and productivity were recorded with pruning up to 16 nodes/cane coupled with thinning up to 6 fruits/fruiting shoot. The physico-chemical parameters such as fruit weight, diameter, volume, TSS, TSS: acid ratio, total sugars, and C: N ratio of the leaf and shoot were also found to be highest with pruning up to 12 nodes/cane coupled with thinning up to 6 fruits/fruiting shoot. This treatment also gave the maximum net return on a per-hectare basis, hence it was found to be the most profitable for the farmers.

Effects of extending dairy cow longevity by adjusted reproduction management decisions on partial net return and greenhouse gas emissions: A dynamic stochastic herd simulation study

Prolonging dairy cattle longevity is regarded as one of the options to contribute to more sustainable milk production. Since failure to conceive is one of the main reasons for culling, this study investigates how adjustments in reproduction management affect partial net return at herd level and greenhouse gas emissions per unit of milk, using a dynamic stochastic simulation model. The effects of reproduction decisions that extend cattle longevity on milk yield, calving interval and pregnancy rate were derived from actual performance of Dutch commercial dairy cows over multiple lactations. The model simulated lactations, calving and health status events of individual cows for herds of 100 cows. Scenarios evaluated differed in the maximum number of consecutive artificial insemination (AI) attempts (4, 5 or 6 services), or the production threshold (20, 15, or 10 kg milk per day) at which cows that failed to conceive are culled (reproductive culling). Annual partial net return was computed from revenues of sold milk, calves and slaughtered cows, and the costs from feed consumption, rearing replacement heifers, AI services and treatment for clinical mastitis and lameness. Greenhouse gas emissions were computed for feed production, enteric fermentation, and manure management, and were expressed as total CO2 equivalents. Average age at culling increased with an increased maximum number of AI services. This increase was larger when going from a maximum of 4 to 5 AI attempts (108 d) than from a maximum of 5 to 6 attempts (47 d). Similarly, the average age at culling increased from 1,968 to 2,040 and 2,132 d when the threshold for reproductive culling decreased from 20, to 15 and 10 kg milk per day, respectively. Average annual partial net return increased by 1.1% from €165,850 per 100 cows at a maximum of 4 AIs to €167,670 per 100 cows at a maximum of 6 AIs, and increased by 4.3% from €161,210 per 100 cows at a reproductive culling threshold of 10 kg/day to €168,190 per 100 cows at a threshold of 20 kg/day. Greenhouse gas emissions decreased by 1.2% from 0.926 to 0.915 kg CO2 equivalents per kg fat-and-protein-corrected milk (FPCM) with an increase in a maximum number of AIs from 4 to 6 AIs. Conversely, greenhouse gas emissions increased by 0.2% from 0.926 kg at a threshold of reproductive culling of 20 kg/day to 0.928 kg CO2 equivalents per kg FPCM at a threshold of 10 kg/day. Although lowering the threshold for reproductive culling has the potential to extend cattle longevity more than increasing the maximum number of AI services, only the increase in AI services benefits a farm's partial net return, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Influence of Foliar Application of Nano Urea and Urea on Productivity and Nutrient Status of Fodder Maize during Kharif Season

A field-based study was carried out during Kharif season in 2022 at Zonal Agricultural Research Station, V. C. Farm, Mandya, Karnataka, India. The soil was sandy loam in texture, neutral in reaction, low in available nitrogen, and medium in organic carbon, phosphorous and potassium status. The experiment was carried out with fodder Maize in randomized block design with 11 treatments and 3 replications. The treatments include varied levels of recommended dose of N (50, 75 and 100%) along with foliar application of nano urea (0.2% and 0.4%) and urea (2%) spray at 20 and 40 DAS, in comparison with RDF alone and control (RDF without N). The application of 100% recommended dose of N + Urea @ 2% spray recorded significantly higher growth parameters such as leaf area and dry matter accumulation at harvest and was on par with 100% recommended dose of N + Nano urea @ 0.4% spray. Significantly higher green fodder yield, dry fodder yield and nutrient content in fodder maize was recorded in 100% recommended dose of N + Urea @ 2% spray and was on par with 100% recommended dose of N + Nano urea @ 0.4% spray. Higher gross returns, net returns and B:C ratio was observed with application of 100% recommended dose of N + Urea @ 2% spray over rest of the treatments.

Analyzing the financial viability and technical efficiency of aquaculture farming in Delta State, Nigeria: Lessons from cluster operations

This study delved into the comprehensive analysis of aquaculture farming in Delta State, specifically focusing on the financial viability and technical efficiency of cluster operations. As aquaculture plays a crucial in meeting global seafood demands, understanding the dynamics at the regional level become imperative. The study employed a multifaceted approach to assess the financial viability of aquaculture farming, technical efficiency of aquaculture production. By adopting a cluster based perspective, the research aims to unravel the intricacies of collaborative farming operations, identifying synergies that contribute to enhanced financial outcome. Insights garnered from this financial evaluation can provide stakeholders with strategic guidance for sustainable economic practices within the aquaculture sector. The research draws on a diverse set of data source, including financial records, production metrics, focus group discussions and questionnaire distributions. Statistical tools and econometric models are applied to quantify the relationships between various variables, providing a clear understanding of the factors influencing technical efficiency and financial Findings from this study showed that the price of labour, price of fish feeds and price of medicine had a significant effect on efficiency of aqua farming with a coefficient of 0.5468**,-0.7862**, -0.8896** respectively. The result of the technical efficiency , (25.0%) falls within the 0.71 - 0.8 range, indicating a high level of technical efficiency of aqua farmers. This is followed by those in the 0.31 - 0.4 and 0.51 - 0.6 ranges, each with 11.2% of farmers. In contrast. The result of the BCR showed a significant variation in profitability highlights of aqua farming operations in the study area are more financially rewarding, with a net return on investment (ROI) of 0.58. However, the technical efficiencies and productivities of aqua farmers in clusters were significantly high regardless of how biases were corrected, implying that participation in cluster group is positively related to increases in aqua farmers output.

Effect of Land Configuration on Different Crop Based Chickpea Sequences in Dryland Area of Central India

The present investigation makes an attempt to study the effect of land configuration on yield, water use efficiency and economics for cropping sequences in dryland area of Central India. Different cropping sequences soybean-chickpea, maize-chickpea and greengram-chickpea were adopted under different sets of land configurations such as Furrow Irrigated Raised Bed (FIRB), Broad Bed Furrow (BBF) and Flat System as Farmer’s Practices (FP). Various yield attributes such as plant height, dry matter per plant, branches/plant, pods/cob per plant, seeds/cob per plant, 100 seed weight, seed and stover yield along with Seed Equivalent Yield (SEY), gross and net return, Benefit Cost ratio, Rain Water Use Efficiency (RWUE) were evaluated in this study. In case of SEY, for soybean-chickpea, maximum SEY was observed in FIRB (3197 kg ha-1), followed by BBF (3131 kg ha-1) and FP (2870 kg ha-1). Similarly for maize-chickpea, highest SEY was detected in FIRB (3601 kg ha-1), followed by BBF (3485 kg ha-1) and FP (3241 kg ha-1). A similar trend was obtained for greengram-chickpea where FIRB expressed highest value of SEY (2121 kg ha-1) followed by BBF (2065 kg ha-1) and FP (1805 kg ha-1). The analysis of yield attributes along with economics clearly suggested that for all combinations of crop sequences, FIRB yielded better results over BBF and FP. The results obtained through this study clearly advocates the fact that sowing of rabi crops on such land configurations (FIRB and BBF) amplifies the crop yield due to the presence of residual moisture which ultimately leads to enhanced farm income.

Impact of Custom Hiring Centers on Cost, Profitability, and Efficiency in Crop Production in Anantapur District of Andhra Pradesh, India

This study examines the impact of custom hiring centers (CHCs) on agricultural mechanization and productivity of groundnut of cultivation in Anantapur District of Andhra Pradesh in 2021. CHCs, established under the Submission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) scheme, aim to address challenges faced by small-scale farmers in accessing improved machinery. Through farm business analysis, data envelopment analysis (DEA), and binary logistic regression, the study evaluates the adoption of improved farm machinery, changes in costs, profitability, and efficiency in crop production due to CHCs. Utilizing purposive sampling, data was collected from 160 beneficiary and non-beneficiary farmers in villages. Cost concepts were used to compare costs and returns in groundnut cultivation among CHC beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries. Findings indicate that CHC beneficiaries demonstrate lower input costs and higher net returns, signaling improved efficiency and profitability. DEA analysis reveals higher technical, allocative and cost efficiency among beneficiary farms compared to non-beneficiary ones. Additionally, binary logistic regression identifies significant factors influencing farmers' decisions to hire machinery from CHCs, including machine labor, net income, hired human labor, irrigation, and yield. Overall, the study underscores the pivotal role of CHCs in enhancing agricultural productivity and efficiency, particularly among small-scale farmers. It suggests that policymakers prioritize expanding CHCs and promoting mechanization to further improve agricultural outcomes and address challenges faced by marginalized farmers.

Chemical Weed Control in Field Pea [Pisum sativum(L.) var arvense

Field pea [Pisum sativum (L.) var arvense] is an important pulse crop mainly grown as a winter vegetable in the plains of north India. The effect of ready-mix application along with various pre- and post- emergence herbicides were evaluated for effective and season long weed control in pea. Pre-emergence application of pendimethalin +imazethapyr (ready-mix) at 1250 g ha-1 provided excellent control of Coronopus didymus, Anagallis arvensis and Chenopodium album similar to weed free conditions and resulted in highest yield (1795 kg ha-1) among the herbicidal treatments. Post-emergence (2-4 leaf stage) application of imazethapyr alone and its different ready-mix combinations with imazamox at 60-80 g ha-1 provided 86.0-94.0% control of weeds at 60 DAS and resulted the grain yield ranging 1503-1620 kg ha-1.The maximum weed control index at 30 DAS (91.5%) was recorded with pre-emergence application of pendimethalin + imazethapyr at 1250 g ha-1 followed by pendimethalin + imazethapyr (PRE) at 1000 g ha-1 (87.80%). Pre-emergence application of pendimethalin + imazethapyr (RM) at 1250 g/ha gave the highest net return along with the highest Benefit Cost Ratio (2.36) followed by the same combination at 1000 and 800 g ha-1.

Economic Analysis of Cost and Returns in Turmeric Production and Processing in the Chamarajanagar District of Karnataka, India

This study investigated the economic dynamics of turmeric production and primary processing in Chamarajanagar district, Karnataka, emphasized the significant role of this region in enhancing India's reputation for producing high-curcumin-content turmeric. Despite the growing domestic and international markets for turmeric, which have contributed to the crop's substantial increase in production and productivity over recent decades, there remains a significant gap in organized processing units at the local level. The analysis employed different cost concepts and the Garrett Ranking Technique. By examining the economic aspects of both turmeric cultivation and primary processing phases among farmers in the district, the findings revealed that farmers accrue a net return of ₹18,134 per acre from cultivation after incurring costs of ₹86,424, and a higher net return of ₹24,775 per acre from primary processing with an incurred cost of ₹99,439 per acre. The cost-benefit analysis further underscores the economic viability of turmeric cultivation, with ratios of 1.21 without primary processing and 1.25 with it, thereby highlighting the substantial profitability of turmeric production for local growers. However, the study identifies significant challenges, such as labour shortages and elevated wage rates, attributed to the crop's labour-intensive nature. Moreover, while primary processing increases profitability, it also demands considerable labour and time, potentially compromising the quality of turmeric powder. The research suggests that the adoption of advanced technologies and machinery in curing and processing operations could mitigate these challenges, enhancing efficiency and product quality in turmeric cultivation and processing sectors.

Field and Economic Evaluation of Barley Productivity as Affected by Seed Rates and Slow-release Nitrogen Fertilizer Levels under Rainfed Conditions

A field experiment was conducted at the north western coast of Egypt under rainfed conditions to study the effects of seed rates (70, 95 and 120 kg ha-1) and nitrogen fertilizer treatments (0, 35, 70 and 105 kg N ha-1) of Ensiabeen-40% N as slow-release fertilizer compared with 105 kg N ha-1 as Ammonium nitrate (33.5%N) on productivity of barley cultivar Giza134. This investigation was conducted during 2019/2020 and 2020/2021 winter growing seasons. The treatments were laid out in a split plot design, with three replications. Plant height, spike length, number of grins spike-1, number of spikes per m2, 1000 grain weight, biological and grain yield were recorded. In addition, total income and net return (LE)/hactare were calculated. The results indicated that mean squares due to seasons, seed rates, nitrogen levels and their interactions were significant for most studied traits. Mean performance of the studied traits as affected by seasons, seed rates and nitrogen levels showed that, the most desirable values were obtained by SR1 for spike length (6.13cm), number of grains spike-1 (48.78 grain) and 1000 grain weight (42.15g), from SR2 for Biological yield (6.02 ton ha-1) and grain yield (1.85 ton ha-1) and from SR3 for plant height (78.28cm) and number of spikes m-2 (180.11 spike). For nitrogen level effects, N4 recorded the most favorable values for all studied traits; plant height (81.48cm), spike length (6.33cm), number of grains spike-1 (49.99 grain), number of spikes m-2 (187.60 spike), Biological yield (6.88 ton ha-1), grain yield (2.12 ton ha-1) and 1000 grain weight (42.89g). Grain yield exhibited highly significant and positive correlation with each of plant height (r= 0.833**), spike length(r=0.621**), number of grains spike-1 (r=0.768**), number of spikes m-2(r=0.880**) and weight of 1000 grains (r= 0.661**). The most contributing variable in the total variation of grain yield were number of spikes m-2, number of grains spike-1 and spike length. These variables contributed by 92.9% in the grain yield variation. The results also indicated that, the highest values in the total income were 19149 and 24990 pound.hec-1 respectively, and net return were 9492 and 15498 pound.hec-1 obtained from the interaction between seed rate of 5kg ha-1 (SR2) and 105 unit of slow release fertilizer (N4) during the two growing seasons. It could recommend this treatment to maximize the total income for the farmers in such location.

A Study on Supply Chain Analysis and Marketing Margin of Catfish Seed in Mymensingh District, Bangladesh

Aims: This study examined the supply chain and marketing margin of catfish seed in selected areas of the Mymensingh district. The objectives include analyzing supply chain management, marketing margins of catfish seed production, and identifying the challenges in production and marketing systems. Study Design: This study used a quantitative approach with a questionnaire data collection method. Place and Duration of Study: Samples were taken from four upazilas of Mymensingh district- Gouripur, Trishal, Mymensingh Sadar, and Muktagacha. Data was collected through face-to-face interviews between mid-September and mid-October in 2019. Methodology: The sample size was 120 including 30 catfish seed farmers, 30 paikers, 30 wholesalers, and 30 retailers. This study employed supply chain analysis, net return and net marketing margin analysis, and descriptive statistics. Results: The study found that retailers had the highest net marketing margin of 1664 Bangladeshi Taka (Tk.) (15.21 US Dollars) for 10 kg spawn, while paikers earned the highest margin of Tk. 11148 (101.93 US Dollars) for 100,000 pieces of fingerling. The annual net return per acre from spawn production in hatcheries was Tk. 9,469,097 (86580.71 US Dollars), and from fingerling production in nurseries was Tk. 455,783 (4167.45 US Dollars). Conclusion: The research indicated that catfish seed farms with hatcheries were more profitable than those with nurseries. Hatchery owners, nursery owners, and traders faced significant problems in their operations, such as a lack of information on quality seed, higher input prices and price fluctuations, non-availability of various inputs, and poor communication systems. Based on the result, recommendations were made to support the development of catfish seed farms and traders as a promising sector in agribusiness.

WAYS OF STRENGTHENING THE FINANCIAL STABILITY OF SMALL ENTERPRISES IN AZERBAIJAN

Topicality. In recent years, mechanisms to support and encourage small businesses have been widely used to promote the positive impact of income distribution on the development of a competitive economy, poverty reduction and rapid response to changing market conditions. Aim and tasks. The primary aim of this research is to investigate and enhance the financial stability of small enterprises in Azerbaijan, emphasizing their crucial role in the country's economic development. The research evaluates the profitability and management efficiency of small enterprises through indicators such as general profitability, net profitability, net return on equity, and total profitability of production funds. Materials and methods. Data Collection, literature review, mathematical analysis methods were used in the study. There are methods of financial planning aimed at studying its object, and the preparation of this financial plan is carried out by various methods. Among them, we can show methods on the coefficient, methods on the norm, and also methods on the balance. As a result of determining financial ratios, financial risks can be analyzed and eliminated. To achieve stability, it is necessary to analyze financial ratios, which are relative indicators of the financial condition of the enterprise. These coefficients are calculated as the ratio of absolute indicators or their complex. The analysis of financial ratios is carried out by comparing their values for periods (report and base). Research results. While each enterprise demonstrates its unique financial performance, "Karmen LLC" appears to exhibit promising signs of stability with positive profitability, reasonable liquidity, and efficient management. However, continuous monitoring and strategic planning are necessary for sustaining and enhancing their financial health and market stability. Conclusion. The financial analysis of "Karmen LLC", "Azdad 2020 LLC", "Karvan L LLC", and "NEON LLC" highlights variations in their financial stability, profitability, and management efficiency. While "Karmen LLC" and "Azdad 2020 LLC" demonstrate stronger financial positions and profitability, "Karvan L LLC" and "NEON LLC" face challenges such as lower liquidity and profitability. Further research should focus on industry benchmarking, trend analysis, and qualitative assessments to provide a more comprehensive understanding of their financial performance and prospects. These insights will be crucial for informed decision-making and strategic planning in the competitive business landscape.

Role of Different Fertilization on Growth, Yield and Quality Evaluation in Maize (Zea mays L.) and Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) Intercropping

A field experiment had conducted during Zaid season 2022-2023. The experiment was conducted in split plot design and replicated thrice. The treatment in main plot consisted of three intercropping and in sub plots five different organic manures and different levels of fertilizers. Soil of the experiment field was clayey in texture had soil slightly alkaline, medium organic carbon (0.71%), low in available nitrogen (246.64 kg ha-1), medium in available phosphorous (21.6 kg ha-1) and high in available potassium (282 kg ha-1). A keen observation of data revealed that application of organic manures and different levels of fertilizers with intercropping both significantly influenced the growth parameters, yield parameters and yield, economic attributes like gross return, net return and B:C ratio was significantly maximum at IC2 maize + cowpea (2:1) with different organic manures and levels of fertilizers application F5 (50% RDF + 5 t FYM ha-1 + 2 t VC ha-1 + 2 t PM ha-1).

Assessing the Economic Viability of Watermelon Cultivation in Haryana and Karnataka, India: A Comparative Analysis

Aims: To analyze the costs, returns and profitability of watermelon production in the study area. Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in Haryana and Karnataka state during the year 2021-22. Methodology: For the study, 120 farmers (60 farmers from each state) were selected from Haryana and Karnataka which are selected purposively. From Haryana state, Sonipat and Jhajjar districts and from Karnataka, Koppal and Chitradurga districts were selected purposively based on highest area under watermelon production. From each district two blocks were selected randomly. Further from each selected block two villages (15 farmers each) were selected. Results: Farmers of Karnataka investing more on seeds and plant protection chemicals (PPC) compared to farmers of Haryana. The cost of cultivation is higher in the Karnataka state (₹1,70,034.37/ha) compared to Haryana state (₹1,49,450.59/ha) farmers. The variation in cost of cultivation is due to Karnataka farmers were spending more on seeds, neem cake and PPC. The gross and net returns obtained per hectare was more in Karnataka state compared to Haryana state, because Karnataka has the suitable agro-climatic conditions for growing watermelon. Conclusion: The cost and return analysis revealed that watermelon production in the study area was profitable with returns per rupee of investment (B: C ratio) of 1:51 in Haryana and 1:75 in Karnataka.

Feasibility of Parallel Cropping of Black Gram with Pigeon pea in Central Trait of Uttar Pradesh

An experiment was laid out during two consecutive Kharif seasons of 2016-2017 and 2017-18 at Soil Conservation and Water Management Farm, C.S. Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur. The main objective was to find out the yields of main crop of pigeonpea and black gram and their economic in term of net return. The soil analysis indicated the medium nutrients status. The cropping system i.e., pigeonpea sole, black gram sole and pigeonpea + black gram (1+1) additive series were tested. The total productivity of pigeonpea + black gram was maximum (23.53 q/ha) in comparison to pure crop of pigeonpea (17.34 q/ha) and black gram pure (9.44 q/ha). The study of pooled data of economic display that maximum cost of cultivation Rs. 57876/- ha observed under intercropping of pigeonpea + black gram system. The highest gross return Rs. 134024/ha, net return Rs. 76148/ha and BCR 2.32 were also noted under pigeonpea + black gram (1+1) additive series.

Evaluation of farmers friendly IPM modules for the management of fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (JE Smith) in maize in the hot semiarid region of India

Invasive alien species (IAS) pose a severe threat to global agriculture, with their impact projected to escalate due to climate change and expanding international trade. The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith), a native of the Americas, has rapidly spread across various continents, causing significant damage to several food crops, especially maize. Integrated pest management (IPM) programs are vital for sustainable FAW control, combining multiple strategies for sustainable results. Over three consecutive years, 2019–20, 2020–21 and 2021–22, the field demonstrations were conducted in semiarid regions of India, testing a four-component IPM approach viz., pheromone traps, microbial, botanicals and ETL based applications of insecticides against farmers' practices (sole insecticide application). IPM implementation led to substantial reductions in FAW infestation. Furthermore, egg mass and larvae infestations were significantly lower in IPM-adopted villages compared to conventional practices. Pheromone-based monitoring demonstrated a consistent reduction in adult moth populations. The lowest technology gap (10.42), extension gap (8.33) and technology index (12.25) was recorded during 2020–21. The adoption of IPM led to increased maize yields (17.49, 12.62 and 24.87% over control), higher net returns (919, 906.20 and 992.93 USD), and favourable benefit–cost ratios (2.74, 2.39 and 2.33) compared to conventional practices respectively during 2019–20, 2020–21 and 2021–22. The economic viability of IPM strategies was evident across three consecutive years, confirming their potential for sustainable FAW management in the semiarid region of India. These strategies hold promise for adoption in other parts of the world sharing similar climatic conditions.

MAXIMIZING PRODUCTIVITY THROUGH MAIZE AND BUSHBEAN INTERCROPPING IN THE HILL VALLEYS OF BANDARBAN

Intercropping is based on the idea that two or more crop species can use natural resources better together than if grown separately. A field experiment was undertaken to investigate the performance and economic advantages of intercropping Bushbean with Maize in Bakichara hill valleys of Bandarban during the rabi season of 2020-2021 and 2021-2022. Three treatments viz. Sole Maize, Sole Bushbean, and Maize+Bushbean were used for the experiment. The aggregated data from a two-year study revealed that the maize and bushbean intercropping system did not significantly influence the yield and its associated attributes of maize. However, it exerted a significant influence on the productivity of bushbean in comparison to the production of bushbean as a sole crop. The intercropping combination exhibited considerably better values for the benefit cost ratio (BCR) (5.11), gross return (487750 Tk. ha-1), net return (392250 Tk. ha-1), LER (1.62), ATER (1.51) and maize equivalent yield (19.51 t ha-1) compared to sole crops.