An economics of paddy during pre-and post-National Food Security Mission in Bhandara District of Maharashtra

Abstract

National Food Security Mission (NFSM) was implemented with an objective to increase the
productivity of major cereals and pulses including paddy by providing inputs like seeds, fertilizers,
implements, irrigation facility, etc. It resulted in shift in cropping pattern and realization of higher
net return. This study was conducted in Bhandara District of Maharashtra to assess the impact of
NFSM on net return of paddy crop. A total of 50 samples including 35 small and 15 medium farmers
were selected from the highest paddy producing block viz. Bhandara block out of seven blocks of
the Bhandara District. The period of study for pre NFSM and post NFSM was 2006-07 and 2010-11,
respectively. The total investment was highest on small farms followed by medium farms in both
pre NFSM and post NFSM period. It was Rs.66834 and Rs.61835 per hectare on small and medium
farms which was found to be higher as compared to pre NFSM investment of Rs.28255 and Rs.27097
per hectare in small and medium farms respectively. The price of paddy in post NFSM was found to
be relatively higher than that of pre NFSM price in the study area. Net income and output-input
ratio was higher in post NFSM. Thus, average incremental net income was Rs.9065 per hectare
realizing that paddy cultivation after NFSM was economically viable and profitable over pre NFSM
in the study area. Benefit cost ratio of paddy production in post NFSM was found to be higher than
that of the pre NFSM. The increased B:C ratio clearly indicated the positive impact