Growth and economic profitability of castor cultivation in the semiarid zone of Haryana

The present study was carried out in three districts viz; Rewari, Sirsa and Hisar of Haryana state. A survey of 60 sampled farms was conducted to extract information pertaining to various expenses incurred in cultivation of castor and output attained as well as to ascertain the perception of farmers for various problems encountered in production and marketing of castor seed. The descriptive analysis was employed to draw valid inferences from the study. The results revealed that net profit accrued from cultivation of castor seed was 46331 ha⁻¹ in the study area. The value of B: C ratio of castor cultivation was more than one and also higher as compared to prevalent cropping systems indicated that cultivation of castor seed is economical viable entity. However, production constraints like retention of F₂ seed in the field over year, grain scattering, shortage of irrigation water, frost effect on crop yield and marketing constraints like absence of MSP, higher transportation cost sale of castor seed in distant markets, frequent fluctuation in market price, non-availability of processing units were observed.