Comparative Economics of Maize Crop in Kharif and Rabi Season

Abstract

This study offers a detailed comparative analysis of maize crop cultivation in the kharif and rabi seasons within the agricultural landscape of Gonda District. 50 respondents were carefully selected from various villages in the block, with proportional representation for Marginal, Small, and Medium-sized farmers. The research delves into the economics of maize cultivation, emphasizing factors such as the cost of cultivation, input expenses, income generation, and input-output ratios. In the kharif season, it was distinguished that the cost of cultivation of maize with the farm's size. Marginal farms spent an average of ₹ 48125.93 per hectare, small farms incurred ₹ 51002.89, and large farms invested ₹ 54295.17. Similarly, during the rabi season, the cost of cultivation increased with farm size, with marginal farms investing an average of ₹ 52397.57, small farms spending ₹ 55444.93, and large farms allocating ₹ 58604.68 per hectare. Crucially, the study found that input-output ratios remained consistent across farm sizes in both seasons, reflecting uniform agricultural practices. The findings underscore the importance of efficient management, the adoption of advanced agricultural techniques, the use of high-quality seeds, and the timely application of irrigation and plant protection practices in enhancing net income, particularly on marginal farms.