Black gram (Vigna mungo) seed production: An approach towards food security and income generation

The main focus of the present study was to assess effect of seed production under seed hub programme on income, yield and constraints faced by the black gram seed growers in Trichy and Karur districts of Tamil Nadu. Interviews and focus group discussions were conducted involving ninety respondents randomly selected from the selected districts. It was found that the improved variety was preferred most by the respondents (57%) as compared to local (24%) or intermediate (18%) variety. Farmers got an additional yield of 50.0 per cent through seed production though the production cost was higher (33.1%). They realized gross income of 72.5 per cent and net income of 87.5 per cent more than the normal cultivation. As a result the benefit-cost ration was 50.0 per cent higher. The four factors (credit facility, market price, value addition, extension visit and management practices) were most important determining factors deciding profitability of seed production. The high labour demand was biggest constraint faced by the growers followed by market uncertainty and procurement whereas pest and disease incidence was the least important constraint for them.