Comparative analysis on cost of cultivation of Tapioca farmers in Salem District of Tamilnadu
Radhakrishnan S*1, Srinivasan G2, and Ramanathan G3
1-3*Department of Agricultural Economics, Annamalai University - 608002 [India] *CorrespondingAuthor Mail ID: radhaican007@gmail.com.
ABSTRACT
Tuber crops are the most important food crops after cereals. Tapioca forms the stable food for more than six percent of the world population. Tapioca is a drought resistant crop grown mainly is dry areas and contributes significantly to the nutrition and livelihood of many people. Tapioca root is the basic raw material for sago and starch. In India, the cultivation of tapioca is mainly done in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Assam, etc. Tamil Nadu is the leading state, in which the cultivation of the tapioca is 811400 ha with a production of 3065.14 million tonnes. The main objective of the study is to estimate the cost of cultivation and income obtained by tapioca farmers in the study area. The average estimated yield of tapioca is 17 tonnes per acre, whereas average output price was Rs 12.33 per kg. The gross return is estimated as Rs 209610 per acre, whereas net return of farmer was Rs 70355.03 & 82638.63 per acre. The average cost of production for 1 kg tuber is Rs 8.19 & 7.46, and the benefit cost ratio is 1.50 & 1.65.