R. Narvariya, C.S. Ashok, M. Shahu, J.S. Raghuvanshi and D. Narvariya
Abstract
Madhya Pradesh is designated as the Soya State as it has major in area (67%) and production (57%) of soybean in India. In this study, an effort has been made to examine the profitability and resource use efficiency in cultivation of soybean at different size of farms in soybean producing Narmadapuram division of Central Narmada Valley agro-climatic zone of Madhya Pradesh which is selected purposively having maximum area under cultivation of soybean in the state. The sampling unit comprised of randomly selected 216farm holdings (72 small, 72 medium and 72 large). The required primary data related to agricultural year 2012-13 were collected through survey method using pre-tested interview schedule. It was observed from the analyzed data that the total cost of cultivation was maximum on small (Rs. 23 846/ ha) as compared to medium (Rs. 23368.0/ha) and large (Rs.22589/ha) size of farms revealing that soybean production involves high expenditure on purchased inputs viz. seed, fertilizers, insecticides and hired mechanical power. The maximum gross income was found on large (Rs. 52345/ha) followed by small (Rs. 50158.1/ha) and medium (Rs. 49667.9/ha) size of farmers. As far as the cost benefit ratio is concerned, it was found to be maximum on large (1: 2.3), followed by medium (1:2.1) and small (1:2.0) size of farmers.