Economics of major cereal and tuber crops grown by the tribal farmers intarai region of Uttarakhand

The study conducted in tarai region of Uttarakhand was based on data collected from 45 tribal farmers in the agricultural year 2009–10. The study aimed at examining the cost and return of major cereal and tuber crops grown by the tribal farmers. Economics of the crops was measured using total cost concept. In the study area, it was found that tribal farmers used to grow all the crops which are essential for their livelihood. They grow crops mainly for subsistence not for commercial use. On tribal farms paddy and wheat emerged as major cereal crops which together shared about 92% of the gross cropped area. Total cost of cultivation of paddy was estimated around 25050 per ha. Net return over variable cost was worked out 18585.16/ha whereas, over total cost it reduced to the level of 6038.20/ha. Total cost of cultivation of wheat crop was estimated to 25782.28/ha with net return over variable cost as 17432.24/ha whereas, over total cost it reduced to the level of 5451.55/ha. Net returns from wheat cultivation were observed less than that of paddy cultivation on tribal farms. Total cost of cultivation of potato was estimated around 12252.89/ha with net return over variable cost of 11296.36/ha, which reduced to the level of about 6895/ha over total cost. They grow crops for subsistence only not on commercial use. The tribal farmers were found comparatively better in farming practices of mainly paddy and wheat but are far behind the potential productivity of these crops in the tarai region of the state. Productivity of potato was quite low. Thearea has vast potential to grow potato on commercial basis but there is need to tap this potential to benefit the growers. There is need to provide efficient infrastructure support so as to maximize the returns of the growers.