Entrepreneurship development of farmers through berseem seed production: An economic analysis

There are tremendous opportunities in the agriculture and allied sector for promotion of agri-start-up. Among various agri-business startups, berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum L.) seed production is also highly beneficial business to farmers as it has high demand in rural areas. Keeping in mind the business opportunity, demand and profitability in production of quality seed of berseem, 105 farmers were guided in Jhansi, UP. Out of that 11 farmers have successfully produced and sold the quality seed of berseem in year 2013–14. The average total cost of cultivation at farm was found as Rs 62.33 thousand per ha in production of crop and with processing charge of Rs2529.09, the Total cost per ha was found as Rs 64.86 thousand. Ungraded berseem seed was produced is 417.27 kg and 294.78 kg (70.64 per cent of total ungraded seed) of processed seed was produced. The average rate of graded seed was sold at Rs 120 per kg. In production process,491 qtls of green fodder and 23.53 qtls of dry fodder was also produced. The total return from sale of main products and by products was found as Rs 78.17 thousand per ha and net return per ha was found as Rs 13.31 thousand per ha and B:C ratio (on total cost basis) was found 1.21 and B:C ratio with variable cost only was found as 1.80. The cost of quality seed production when both main and by products (green and dry fodder and waste seed etc) are sold/estimated is found as Rs 75.63 per kg of berseem seed. The price of quality berseem seed in area is high in relation to its cost of production. For sustainability of benefits offarmers depends on higher incentives to be provided to farmers in form of availability of seed of improved varieties, support for Berseem purchase outlets, custom hiring centres for machines, prevention of stray animals.