Economic Evaluation and Mechanization Index of Selected Cropping Pattern in Madhya Pradesh

Data collected from 280 farmers spread over seven districts (i.e. Raisen Dewas, Khandwa, Chhindwara, Seoni, Mandla & Ashok Nagar) of Madhya Pradesh. Average power availability was found 1.80 kW/ha which ranged 1.63 to 2.05 kW/ha across the selected villages. Mechanical power contribution was in the range of 80 to 88%. Input-output data were converted into monetary terms & calculated cost of cultivation for the crops grown in the each district. Farmers are getting better net return from wheat (` 19,591/ha) followed by gram (` 18,695/ha) production with a BCR of 1.71 & 1.86 respectively. The BCR from soybean, paddy and maize was found 1.31, 1.41 and 1.15 respectively. Production function fitted well with a value of the coefficient of multiple determinations (R²) ranged 0.80 to 0.97 across the crops and statistically significant. Contribution of human labor in the yield was found significant for soybean and gram production while machinery and miscellaneous ((Seed, fertilizer, manure, agro-chemical) were contributed significantly in the wheat and gram productivity. Size of land holding and machinery contributed significantly in cultivation of wheat & gram. Thus, use of machinery showed a positive response with size of holding. Ratio of MVP/MFC (marginal value product/marginal factor cost) for human labour, machinery & miscellaneous were highly sensitive and contributed more than one while animal labour showed a marginal contribution. The level of mechanization index was found higher in crops like wheat (57.61%) and gram (44%) while it was comparatively low in paddy (40%), soybean (40.4%) and maize (43.5%). Mechanization level may increase with adoption of power operated machines for transplanting, weeding/inter-culture and spraying/dusting.