Ecology, Environment and Conservation Paper

ECONOMIC IMPLICATIONS OF SUGARCANE BASED FARMING SYSTEM IN WESTERN MAHARASHTRA, INDIA

D.S. Potdar ,K.C. Ombase , S.V. Nalawade , R.M. Dixit and B.S. Raskar

Abstract

Farming systems in the western Maharashtra based on sugarcane have been analyzed for its suitability during the year 2007–08 to 2010-11. The growth rate in agriculture during the recent past is very slow in spite of the rapid economic growth in our country. To sustain a positive growth rate in agriculture a crop diversification approach is the need of the hours. In diversified farming, to minimize the risk though crop is the main aim. While in the integrated farming system a judicious mix of more than one enterprise along with cropping has a complementary effect with additional source of income to the farmers. Study of sugarcane based farming system of four years, we are concluded that the Cow, Buffalo and sugarcane have been observed to be the main sources of farm income. The Cow based sugarcane farming system is found beneficial in terms of monitory returns and B: C ratio than buffalo based sugarcane farming system and only crop component system. The agronomic, socio-economic and environmental advantages of IFS are vivid and appealing. These are potentially suitable to all categories of farmers.