Energy Consumption and Sensitivity Analysis of Rainfed Chickpea Production in Vertisols of Semi-arid Karnataka

Abstract

In-situ rainwater conservation improves chickpea productivity in Vertisols. This hypothesis was tested by layout of compartmental bunds (CB) during rainy season and evaluating the performance of chickpea varieties during winter season. Grain yield of JG11 chickpea variety was 43.9 % higher in CB plots as compared to farmers’ practice. Further, results revealed that smaller energy input through CB and cultivation of JG11 produced higher energy output of 40,183 MJ ha -1 and net energy benefit of 30,553 MJ ha-1 . Higher average energy use efficiency of 4.15, energy productivity of 0.126 and lesser specific energy of 8.22 were observed in CB plots cultivated with JG11. Econometric model estimation emphasized that human labour was significantly positive on yield. Thus sensitivity analysis also indicated marginal physical productivity of 3.29 for man labour. The impact of direct, renewable and non-renewable energies on yield was significant. Higher net returns of Rs. 23,722 per ha and B:C ratio of 1.83 was observed with cultivation of JG11 in CB plots. The authors concluded that adoption of CB and cultivation of JG11 variety ensured greater chickpea pro- ductivity even during drought years with higher energy efficiency and returns in Vertisols of Karnataka, India.