Comparative Performance of Principal Crops in Maharashtra

The study has examined the performance of different crops and cropping pattern in the state of Maharashtra using alternative scenarios like market price, economic prices and natural resource valuation (NRV) considering environmental benefits like biological nitrogen fixation and greenhouse gas costs. The study has used unit level cost of cultivation data from 2008–09 to the triennium ending 2010–11. It has analysed cropwise use of fertilizers, groundwater, surface water and subsidies. The study has shown that even after getting out the impact of input subsidies and effect on environment and natural infrastructure, minimum support prices and agricultural technological know-how, the sugarcane and onion cropping pattern produces the highest income. The study has pointed out that farmers may not move towards diversification until incentivized by economically attractive alternatives. The study has suggested to strengthen the market infrastructure and irrigation network in the area. The need for farm mechanization and supply of capital has also been highlighted.