Cost of cultivation in Radish crop in Dharmapuri District of Tamilnadu
V. Pounraj1* and R. Kumar2
1*Research Scholar, 2Assistant Professor (Rtd), Department of Economics, Faculty of Arts, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar – 608002 (India) Email: pounraj369@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
The cultivation of radish (Raphanus sativus), a short-duration and high-value vegetable crop, offers considerable potential for income generation and crop diversification in Tamil Nadu. This study aims to analyze the cost of cultivation and marketing efficiency of radish production in the Dharmapuri district. Primary data were collected from selected radish growers using a structured interview schedule, and analytical tools such as standard cost concepts (A1 to C3), Benefit– Cost Ratio (BCR), and marketing efficiency indices (Acharya–Agarwal and Shepherd’s methods) were employed. The empirical results indicate that the total cost of cultivation (Cost C3) per acre was Rs.72,820, with a gross income of Rs.94,000, resulting in a net return of Rs. 21,180. The estimated BCR of 1.29 confirms the economic viability of radish cultivation within a short duration of 30–45 days. Marketing analysis revealed that direct farmer-to-consumer channels minimized marketing costs (Rs. 4,000) and yielded a high Shepherd’s efficiency value of Rs. 22.5. These findings demonstrate that radish cultivation in Dharmapuri district is both profitable and sustainable, with strong potential to enhance the income and livelihood security of small and marginal farmers.