Contribution and impact of production factors on growth, yield attributes, yield and economics of rainfed wheat (Triticum aestivum)

A field experiment was conducted during the winter (rabi) season of 1996–97 to 1998–99 to find out the contribution of different production factors on grain yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum L emend. Fiori & Paol.) and preferential order of input supply under resource constraint conditions. Complete package of practices resulted in significantly higher mean grain yield (3, 021 kg/ha) and net returns (Rs 7,797/ha) compared with the grain yield (1,497 kg/ha) and net returns (Rs 1,670/ha) obtained under farmer's practice. Inclusion of recommended fertilizers, weed management and variety separately in farmers’ practice resulted in significantly higher mean grain yield (41.9, 36.3 and 24.2%) and net returns (Rs 5,522, 2,835 and 2,732/ha respectively) than farmers's practice. However, inclusion of line sowing in farmers’ practice showed net loss of Rs 339/ha compared to farmers’ practice. Grain yield decreased significantly when either of the production factors was withdrawn from complete package of practices and the maximum reduction in mean grain yield was recorded due to fertilizers (42.2%), followed by weed management (34.9%), variety (30.8%), timely sowing (17.4%), line sowing (9.1%) and plant-protection measures (8.2%). Net returns also reduced significantly when either improved variety or recommended fertilizers or weed management or timely sowing was withdrawn from complete package of practices. However, exclusion of line sowing or plant-protection measures from complete package of piactices did not bring significant reduction in net returns compared to complete package of practices.