Economic implications of IPM based interventions on profitability of cotton in small scale cotton production system

摘要

Low production and productivity of cotton in the Vidarbha region is attributed mainly to erratic nature of monsoon and severe incidence of cotton bollworms. The problem gets aggravated in small scale production system due to lack of resources with thefarmers. Anticipation of the factors contributing to low productivity and introduction of innovative interventions through Institute Village Linkage Programme (IVLP) to counter the same marks the abstract of present contribution. Increase in the productivity of farmers involved in the project over the conventional approach (farmers practice) by 25 per cent in Bt cotton, 16 per cent each in IPM and 1RM along with 18 and 16 per cent for management of bacterial blight and grey mildew of cotton, respectively translates into increased profitability of 24 per cent (Bt cotton), 21 per cent (IPM), 24 per cent (IRM), 7 per cent (PAT), 23 per cent (bacterial blight) and 21 per cent (grey mildew) over the farmers practice. High net returns besides the cost benefit ratio in IVLP intervention over farmers practice is indicative of successful transfer of technology, an essential component for the sustainability of small scale cotton production system.