Comparative Economics of Pulses and Wheat Production in Uttar Pradesh

摘要

It is well-known that pulses are rich and a major source of protein in national and food composition of people of State and India. Despite the fact that pulses have many advantages, the area under the pulse crops is continuously declining over the years and area under the wheat is continuously increasing. The cost and return is also an important factor among many factors that are responsible for this decline in area under pulse crops. The data on cost of cultivation and returns were collected from Directorate of Economics & Statistics, MoA & FW, GOI for year 2017-18 from other research studies. It is clear that a higher variable cost is incurred on wheat crop in relation to other Pulse crops. This shows pulses are important with low inputs and can withstand in less budget situation also. Devotion of lesser and poor resources, the pulse production is also lesser and there gross return is low. The B:C ratio (at C3 cost) is higher in case of wheat, while it is less than one in pulses, making the pulses less attractive for farmers in cropping pattern. Higher and ensured prices for pulses in market, higher pulse procurement at MSP, trade opportunities with opening of new venues for pulse purchase as FPOs, Agricultural based firms etc. can make the pulse production equally profitable for farmers as Wheat. With remunerative prices in pulses, the pulses will also get higher and efficient inputs, irrigated lands, the potential yield of pulses can be harnessed.