Economic benefits of Vivek millet thresher-cum-pearler and agro processing centre in hilly region of Uttarakhand

Agriculture is dominant activity in the hill economy but constrained by poor post harvest infrastructure and non availability of post harvest technology, which make this profession non-profitable venture. In this backdrop, AICRP on PHT, VAPKAS Almora centre has developed Vivek Millet Thresher-cum-Pearler and also established Agro Processing Centre (APC) in village Takula (Uttarakhand) for entrepreneurship development. This paper has examined the economic impact of these interventions. Vivek thresher-cum-pearler with 60 kg/h capacity of pearling of finger millet, dehulling of barnyard millets (5 kg/h) and threshing of millets (40–45 kg/h) was found suitable for hilly region, as the machine is lightweight and can be operated with engine as well as electric motor (1hp). The benefits were realized in terms of reduction of post harvest losses (threshing 2–3% and dehulling 10–12%), and labour cost (Rs 50/q) over conventional practices. Nevertheless, it helps in reduction of drudgery, saving of time and energy, and improvement in storage life. The net profit per machine was found Rs 13530 for one season (50 days). Consequently, the estimated total monetary gain was found to the tune of Rs 74.42 lakh per annum to farmers cum entrepreneurs and Rs 11.26 lakh to consumers/society. Further, APC was found economically viable enterprise as average net income (triennium ending 2008) was found to the tune of Rs 1.05 lakh per annum with benefit cost ratio (BCR) of 1.24. Further APC helped in avoiding distress sale and value addition to farm produce and also established forward and backward linkages.