Summer groundnut a livelihood for tribals of chhotauepur district (Sukhi Command Area) of middle Gujarat: A socio-economic appraisal

Groundnut is an important oil seed crop provides significant sources of cash through the sales of seed, cakes, oil and haulms. It plays an important role in the diets of rural populations. 120 farmers involved in groundnut cultivation were randomly selected. Data was collected using primary and secondary sources. To examine the profitability of groundnut production, the gross margin and cost benefit analysis were carried out. The young farmers (31–50 years) were more involved in groundnut farming i.e. 61.67 per cent. The cost, availability and lack of technical knowledge of input requirement are responsible for poor use of the inputs. Maximum respondents holding marginal farm i.e. 41.66 per cent. On all farm size, average cost of cultivation was found Rs. 47965. BCR was found highest in marginal farm size group (1.11) followed by medium (1.08), large (1.07) and small farm size groups (1.05). Average net return over cost C2 was found Rs. 3714. A major problems faced in groundnut production are seed quality, less price of output and high price of seed, which accounted 100 per cent, 76.67 per cent and 71.67 per cent, respectively. It is suggested to strengthen extension services for increase awareness about improved technologies regarding seed material and to build proper channel, which can yield more prices to the farmers. Farmers are also advised to use quality seed materials to avoid cheating and also sale produce through farmers’ group, cooperatives and APMCs.