Acerage trend, cost and returns of okra cultivation in Surat district of Gujarat

These studies was undertaken to determine acreage trend, cost and returns of okra cultivation in South Gujarat adopting multistage sampling technique with 120 okra growers. The primary data were collected by using well structured schedule and secondary data were collected for a period of 10 years (2007–08 to 2016–17). The acreage trend of area, production and productivity under okra crop was estimated using the exponential function. The cost and returns were calculated by using cost concepts. The maximum and minimum growth rate for area was found in Navsari (7.51%) and Narmada district (1.55%), respectively. While, the maximum Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) for production and productivity was observed in Dangs district. The results obtained for growth rate of area and production of okra in all 7 districts of South Gujarat showed positive and significant at 1 and 5 per cent level. For South Gujarat as a whole, the CAGR for area, production and productivity was found significant at 1 per cent. The cost of cultivation of okra was worked out to Rs. 313297 per hectare. In total cost (cost C₃), human labour (37.17%) occupied the lion share while bullock labour (0.84%) found the least. Average per hectare gross and net income was recorded to Rs. 474525 and Rs. 161228, respectively. On an average, the farm business income and family labour income was worked out to be Rs. 291575 and Rs. 244428 per hectare. The returns per rupee of investment on cost C₃ was 1.52 per hectare.