Rish Management in Dryland Agriculture of Solapur District in Maharashtra

The study has investigated the nature and magnitude of risk in major crops, level of crop diversification and risk aversion behaviour of farmers in dryland of Solapur district in Maharashtra. The study has found that risks in gross returns from cultivation of rabi-sorghum, bajra and wheat were higher during pre-liberalization period than during post-liberalization period. Both price and yield of these three major cereals have been found more stable during post-liberalization period. Hence, these three cereals are less risky crops in the Solapur district. On the other hand, soybean and kharif-groundnut have been found highly risky crops in dry land agriculture. The cropping pattern in the Solapur district is dominated by rabi-sorghum, followed by kharif-onion. The area under rabi-sorghum, maize, soybean and pigeon pea has been found to increase with increase in size of landholding. The study has suggested that besides developing marketing network, the government should organize extension programs to train farmers for cultivating under risk in this area.