Comparative Economic and Agronomic Analysis of Seed and Grain Production of JAKI-9218 Variety of Chickpea in Amravati District, India

Abstract

The development of seed production and the use of high-yielding seed varieties have played a major role in the success of the green revolution. Seed availability is crucial for increasing food production, developing farmer income, fighting poverty, and ensuring food security in both normal and disaster years. The study was conducted to estimate the cost and returns associated with chickpea seed and grain cultivation. Primary data for the agricultural year 2024–25 were collected from 120 farmers (60 seed producers and 60 grain producers) selected from six villages across Chandur Railway and Morshi tehsils of Amravati district, Maharashtra. Standard cost concepts—Cost A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2, and C3—were employed for economic analysis. The results revealed that the per-hectare cost of cultivation for chickpea seed production was ₹93,346.69, with gross returns of ₹1,23,981.10 and a net return of ₹30,634.41 at Cost C3. In contrast, chickpea grain production incurred a total cost of ₹92,380.52 per hectare, yielding gross returns of ₹1,12,391.92 and net returns of ₹19,993.75 at Cost C3. The per quintal cost of production was ₹4,326.23 for seed and ₹4,382.10 for grain. Input-output ratios for seed producers were higher (1.34 at Cost C3) compared to grain producers (1.26 at Cost C3), indicating greater resource-use efficiency and profitability in seed production. Overall, the study concludes that chickpea certified seed production of the JAKI-9218 variety is economically more viable than grain production in the Amravati district. Despite higher labour and input costs, seed producers achieved higher gross and net returns, emphasizing the potential of certified seed production as a profitable enterprise for enhancing farmer income and sustainability in the region.