In the present study economic impact of CROPSAP scheme on beneficiary and non-beneficiary cotton growers have been assessed. This was based mainly on primary data which was collected through personal interview method with the help of pre-tested schedules. An investigation was conducted in the Jalna district of Maharashtra state purposively on the basis of 2nd highest area under cotton crop. Multistage sampling technique was used for selection of district, tehsils and villages. Total sample size was 160 where 80 was beneficiary and 80 non-beneficiary cotton growers. Probit regression model was fitted to access the impact of CROPSAP scheme on beneficiary and non-beneficiary cotton growers. CROPSAP provide a larger canvas for pest management implementation in term of technological use, number of stakeholders, number of crops, area covered, skill imparted and employment generated. The pest affected area across cotton is implemented with scientifically based pest management practice across Maharashtra state of jalna district. In view of limited time, resources, the study is restricted to certain variables which may have influences on impact of Crop Pest Surveillance and advisory project on farmers. Application of only recommended pesticides at right dosages using proper application equipment and technique have brought in judicious use of chemical and reduces the occupational hazards. Probit model is a way to perform regression for binary outcome variable with two possibilities like beneficiary and non-beneficiary of cotton growers. In probit regression model factors like X2 (spacing) was significant at 1 per cent level, X4 (plant protection under CROPSAP) was also significant at 1 per cent level, and factor X6 (Yield) significant at 10 per cent level. Hence this result indicated that the above significant factors are greatly influenced on farmers towards adoption of the CROPSAP scheme. Our result show that the CROPSAP scheme is helpful to increase the income level of cotton growers and it is also helpful in future to increase the income level and reduce losses of crops which are affected by insect/pest.

Cotton, beneficiary and non-beneficiary, Jalna, CROPSAP scheme, Probit model

In probit regression model factors like X2 (spacing) was significant at 1 per cent level, X4 (Plant protection under CROPSAP) was also significant at 1 per cent level, and factor X6 (Yield) significant at 10 per cent level. Hence this result indicates that the above significant factors are greatly influenced on cotton growers towards adoption of CROPSAP scheme. The above result indicates that the proper spacing and use of plant protection recommended by CROPSAP helps to increase the yield and reduce the overuse of plant protection.

Prachi D. Undirwade, R.V. Chavan and S.V. Bharti (2023). Impact of CROPSAP Scheme on Cotton Growers: A Probit Regression Approach. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(11): 599-601.