Cost structure and production efficiency of small scale wheat farms in Punjab

The present investigation estimated the cost and return structure and technical efficiency in wheat production in Punjab. A sample of 280 farmers consisting of 121 marginal and 159 small farmers was selected, and the per hectare cost of cultivation and gross returns were recorded to be ₹65503.64 and 87590.86 on marginal farms and ₹62117.95 and 85036.13 on small farms. The study revealed the mean technical efficiency of 82.04 percent in Punjab state. Only 8.93 percent of the farmers operated with more than 90 percent technical efficiency. Operational area and education were the most influential determinants of technical efficiency.