Dynamics of Farming Systems: A Study on income Maximization in Visakhapatnam district of Andhra Pradesh

Author: H. Srinivasa Rao, D.V. Subba Rao and Y. Radha

Download PDF

Abstract

As most of the farmers expressed their displeasure in farming due to the continuous negative net returns, it was proposed to identify profitable farming systems in Visakhapatnam. A total of 10 farming systems were observed from existing 8 farming situations in Visakhapatnam district of Andhra Pradesh. This study was conducted by collecting data from 160 farmers i.e., 20 farmers from each situation. Farming System with dairy and goat & sheep as allied activities (FS-VI) was most profitable with a benefit cost ratio of 1.31. DEA (Data Envelopment Analysis) revealed that 37 percentage of farms in all five major significant farming systems were operated at sub-optimal region of production followed by optimal region (34.48%). The R2 value lied in between 0.61 (FS-I) to 0.75 (FS-VI). The input feed was most significant and positively influencing determinant of RUE (Resource Use Efficiency). The Simpson’s diversification index of farming systems ranged between 0.67 (FS-III) to 0.87 (FS-I& II) which indicating high diversification in Visakhapatnam district. The MDR (Market Dependency Ratio) value was lowest in FS-VI (0.60), which reflecting the less dependency on market for inputs by effectively using the inputs produced within the system. Response Priority Index (RPI) revealed that ‘Non remunerative price for product’ was the major marketing constraint followed by ‘price fluctuations’ and ‘high transport cost’ in major farming systems. Though paddy and sugarcane were major crops, the returns from them were negative due to their labour intensiveness. Hence, farm mechanization would help to bring high net returns. Adopting improved technologies and HYV’s, selling the produce at MSP (Minimum Support Price), diversification towards high value crops and processing of raw products would maximize the income of the farmers.

Keywords

DEA, Farming systems, Market interlinkages, RPI, RUE, SID

Conclusion

Unlike other north coastal districts, the area under paddy was comparatively less in Visakhapatnam. Farmers would decrease cost of cultivation by increasing farm mechanization and following recommended dosage of NPK in paddy. Sowing suitable varieties and HYVs could also increase the yield in paddy.Another major crop along with paddy was sugarcane in Visakhapatnam district. The decreased yields in sugarcane were due to growing excess area under rainfed situation. Improper management of ratoon crop, poor plant protection measures and monocropping were other major reasons for lower yields. The areas under minor millets were comparatively more in Visakhapatnam district, but the yields were very less due to lack of supervision during crop period. Betel leaf and banana were other annual crops recording good returns in the district. However, these two crops need more capital and human labour while growing. Coffee was most lucrative crop if practiced commercially. Girijan Corporations were available to farmers for selling their produce at remunerative prices.

References

-

How to cite this article

H. Srinivasa Rao, D.V. Subba Rao and Y. Radha (2023). Dynamics of Farming Systems: A Study on income Maximization in Visakhapatnam district of Andhra Pradesh. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(9): 819-830.