Integrated Input Delivery and Product Procurement of Papaya under Contract Farming in Tamil Nadu

The study has examined the input delivery and product procurement of papaya under contract farming in the Dindigul and Erode districts of Tamil Nadu through a survey conducted during December 2009 and February 2010. The results of economics of papaya production have shown high net returns per hectare indicating papaya cultivation to be a profitable venture. The production function analysis has revealed that increase in labour, fertilizers and plant protection chemicals would increase the yield of papain. The presence of only one contracting company in the study area has a limiting effect on the expansion of contract papaya farming. The study has suggested expansion of extension efforts for generating awareness about contract farming and also for educating the farmers on the input management.