Economics of Castor Cultivation in Gujarat

Abstract

India ranks first in terms of castor area under cultivation, production and productivity. India dominates the international castor oil trade, seed and some of its derivatives and earns substantial foreign exchange through the export. Amongst all the states of India, Gujarat is the leading castor growing state and has been pioneering in development of hybrid castor that released the first castor hybrid in 1968-69 for commercial cultivation. Gujarat shares about more than 62% of the area under castor cultivation and 78% of the total castor production of the country. The present research aims to explore: Which factors affect the cultivation of castor in Gujarat? What is the approximate cost of cultivation of castor in Gujarat? How are the returns from castor cultivation in Gujarat? newline newlineTwo-stage design has been applied in research. Exploratory study in the first stage is undertaken to identify the factors affecting cultivation of castor by analyzing secondary data and literature review, while in the second stage, Descriptive study is undertaken for analyzing the cost of cultivation of castor. A micro level survey has been undertaken in the castor growing selected (Banaskantha, Mahesana and Kutch) districts of Gujarat to determine the cost of cultivation and returns from cultivation of castor in Gujarat. newline newlineIt has been noticed that there is a statistically significant difference in cost of cultivation between / across the selected districts (Banaskantha, Kutch and Mahesana). It has been observed that there is a statistically significant difference in cost of cultivation between / across the categories of farmers (Marginal, Small, Medium and Large). It has been perceived that there is a statistically significant difference in returns from castor cultivation between / across the selected districts (Banaskantha, Kutch and Mahesana). It has been found that there is a statistically significant difference in returns from castor cultivation between / across the categories of farmers (Marginal, Small, Medium and Large). newline newlineIt has