Resource use efficiency and prosperity of farmers through turmeric cultivation: a comparative study of processed and non-processed turmeric

Turmeric (Curcuma longa L) is a native of South Asia. India is a leading producer and exporter of turmeric, accounting for about 78% of global production and 60% of export. This paper studies the economics and resource use efficiency in the production of turmeric in middle Gujarat. Processor farmers earned net returns of Rs. 390, 001 at a benefit-cost ratio of 2.86. Non-processor farmers earned Rs. 123, 165 at a benefit-cost ratio of 1.73. The cost of production was Rs. 4818 per quintal of dry turmeric and Rs. 894 per quintal of fresh turmeric on nonprocessed farms. Resource use efficiency was more than one for human labour, tractor charges, planting material, manures, chemical fertilizer and irrigation on processed farms, indicating under-utilization of these inputs.