Farmers perception, economic viability and constraints in Deshi Cotton cultivation in dryland salinity of Gujarat

Abstract

In Gujarat, the areas where salinity is high and canal irrigation is not available, farmers are left with no choice but to go for cultivation of desi cotton. Study was conducted with 70 farmers growing desi cotton in Bara tract area of Gujarat covering three blocks of Bharuch district. Data collected from personal interview of the farmers revealed that all farmers perceived that cost of cultivation for desi cotton is less and input cost for desi cotton is less (92%). In environmental benefits, all farmers perceived that desi cotton is more suitable to rainfed conditions, it is more tolerant to moderate saline ground water (90%) and water logging conditions (92%). In agronomic benefits, all farmers agreed that desi cotton requires less irrigation. In marketing benefits, farmers agreed that fibre quality of desi cotton as excellent (76%). Some aspects of desi cotton were also negatively perceived by the farmers, like its long duration (82%), availability of quality seeds (80%) and about boll size and number. Economic analysis revealed that gross profit of desi cotton under rainfed conditions was Rs. 34,947 per ha with B:C ratio 1.9 while it was Rs. 75250 per ha with B:C ratio of 1.7 in irrigated condition. Irrigation problem (54%), late sowing because of monsoon (36%) and damage because of high rainfall and flooding (36%) were the constraints reported as very severe by the farmers. In conclusion study recommends that, improved varieties of desi cotton with short life span need to be developed and made available to the farmers for better livelihood and sustainability of the cotton agro-ecosystem.