aDivision of Agricultural Economics and ABM, SKUAST- J, Main Campus, Chatha-180009
bDepartment of Social Sciences, Dr. YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan-173230
Online published on 5 December, 2018.
An economic analysis of maize and common bean intercropping was carried out in Bhaderwah and Bhalla blocks of Doda district of J&K state during 2015–16. A sample of 100 farmers was drawn using multistage sampling technique. The primary data analysis revealed that per hectare cost of cultivation of maize and common bean intercropping on overall farms was Rs. 45682.73. On the marginal, small and medium farms, it showed a direct relationship with the farm size and was worked out to be Rs. 44910.16, Rs. 47434.64 and Rs. 49235.79 per hectare, respectively. On overall farms, per hectare cost-A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2 and D was worked out to be Rs. 23698.48, Rs. 24072.03, Rs. 24974.50, Rs. 36855.82, Rs. 31891.13, Rs. 43772.45 and Rs.45682.73, respectively. On an average, gross returns from maize and common bean intercropping were worked out to be Rs. 98145.26/ha with net returns of Rs. 52263.53. Benefit cost ratio of 2.14 indicating that maize and common bean intercropping is very much profitable sustainable farming practice in the study area and one rupee spent on maize and common bean intercropping would yield returns of Rs. 2.14. High cost of labour, non-availability of plant protection chemicals in the market, high cost of inputs and weak research- extension farmer linkage were some major constraints associated with maize and common bean intercropping in the study area.
