Comparative Economic s of Beneficiary and Non-beneficiary of Custom Hiring of Farm Machineries in Nasik Disrtict

The study has estimated the benefits of farm mechanization by evaluating comparative economics of per hectare input-use and cost of cultivation amongst the beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries of custom hiring of farm machineries. The data collected from 30 cultivators (beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries) pertained to the year 2011–12 and were analysed with the help of simple tabular method. The study has revealed that there was a decrease in human and bullock labour utilization for cultivation of almost all the selected crops among the beneficiaries of farm mechanization. Also, all the farm mechanization beneficiary growers could earn more due to reduction in the total cost of cultivation. The study has concluded that although farm mechanization provided on the rental basis by a private Centre, has not boosted farm output of the selected crops, but has reduced the total cost of cultivation of these crops and ultimately has maximized the profit of the beneficiary growers. As such, it is imperative to establish such custom hiring centres for supply of farm machineries for the welfare of the farming community in the region.