Economic impact of pomegranate research and extension on farm economy

The production of pomegranate was increased by both area expansion and productivity improvement for the entire period. There is a contribution of technology and input in TFP growth even though the input indices decreasing. Total economic worthiness of university released pomegranate production technology over other competing varieties of pomegranate in the Maharashtra was 98616.07 per hectare. An additional investment of one rupee in pomegranate research generated additional income of 20.87 and the Internal Rate of Return (IRR) estimated to be 39.61 per cent indicating investment in pomegranate research generated substantial returns to the farmers. The pomegranate growers in Maharashtra state earned gross and net economic benefit of 2883 crores and 1465 crores, respectively from improved pomegranate varieties released by MPKV, Rahuri. Therefore, it is suggested that the Government should allocate substantial funds to public research in pomegranate for productivity improvement of pomegranate crop.