Cost-return analysis and resource use efficiency of marigold cultivation in Karnal district of Haryana

The present study analysed cost and returns of marigold and its resource use efficiency in Karnal district of Haryana in 2020-21. Multi-stage purposive sampling technique was employed for selection of 80 marigold farmers. The relevant primary data was extracted from selected farmers through personal interaction. The results indicated that total cost incurred in marigold cultivation was Rs. 183411 ha^-1 and gross returns were found to be Rs. 462250 ha^-1 thus reflecting net returns of Rs. 278839 ha^-1. Moreover, the B-C ratio of 2.52 was realized which reflected the profitability of marigold in the study area. Further, the Cobb-Douglas production function analysis revealed that value of R² was 0.86 and efficiency of resource use in marigold exhibited increasing returns to scale revealing under-utilization of the scarce farm resources in marigold cultivation. Furthermore, planting material exhibited the highest resource use efficiency while machine labour was found to be least efficient input.