An Empirical Study of Cropping Pattern and Costs, Returns Structure of Irrigated Crops with Government Tube-wells in Sub-Mountainous Punjab

The present study examined the cropping pattern and costs, returns structure of crops irrigated by Govt, tubewells in sub-mountainous Punjab, which constitute 9 per cent of geographical area and 6 percent population of the state. A sample of 120 farmers consisting of 77 small, 29 medium and 14 large farmers were selected. Data were collected for the period 2010–11. The average size of operational holding was 2.33 ha, among different categories it was 1.06, 2.77 and 8.40 ha for small medium and large farm households. About 87 percent area was irrigated mainly by Govt. tube-wells. The market value of irrigated ha was Rs. 20.7 lakh and un-irrigated was Rs. 4.59 lakh; the rental value ofirrigated ha was Rs. 19000 and un-irrigated Rs.7000/ha. Similar cropping pattern was followed by all farm size categaries. Wheat being major rabi crop followed by fodder and maize in kharif season followed by kharif fodder. Paddy occupied about 4 per cent of area, grown by all categories of farmers. About 12 per cent area was under fruits & agro forestry, increased with increase in farm size. The gross margins for irrigated ha over un-irrigated ha was higher by Rs. 12694 for wheat and Rs. 5251 for maize. The gross margins were higher by Rs. 16061 for paddy over maize. Per ha gross margins were higher by Rs. 8833 for all crops in case of irrigated crops over un-irrigated crops. The provision of irrigation has increased the market price has well as the lease-in price of the land. The yield of main crops has substantially increased with the provision of irrigation facility. Thus areas should be identified where more tube-wells can be installed to enhance the income of the less developed region of the farmers.