An Evaluation of Organic and Conventional Cotton Production in Maharashtra, India

Abstract

Cotton is the most important commercial crop playing key role in economic and social affairs of the world. It is backbone of our textile industry. In the present study efforts have been made to study the cost, returns, profitability of organic and conventional cotton. The primary data required for the study were collected during year 2021-22 from 320 cotton growers covering 4 districts of Maharashtra. Simple statistical tools like averages and percentages were used in analysing the collected data and standard cost concepts was used for analysis. The result of the study revealed that, the per hectare cost of cultivation of conventional cotton were maximum in Wardha (Rs.83575), gross returns were maximum in Yavatmal (Rs.135096) and net returns (Rs.61844) with net returns on per rupees invested at total cost (Rs. 1.84) were maximum in Yavatmal. Thus, it was found that cotton cultivation was most remunerative farming in study area. Whereas, in Aurangabad it was found to be less remunerative among all the district in study area. The per hectare cost of cultivation in Aurangabad district were Rs.79958, gross returns was Rs.108176 and net returns was Rs.28218 with net returns on per rupees invested at total cost Rs. 1.35 which was comparatively lower than other districts. The per hectare cost of cultivation of organic cotton were maximum in Aurangabad (Rs.65652), gross returns (Rs.127652) and net returns (Rs.62000) with net returns on per rupees invested at total cost (Rs. 1.94). It was observed to be most remunerative farming in study area. Whereas, in Yavatmal it was found to be less remunerative among all the district in study area. The per hectare cost of cultivation was Rs.63427, gross returns were Rs.114997 and net returns was Rs.51569 with net returns on per rupees invested at total cost Rs. 1.81 which was comparatively lower than other districts. Organic agriculture thus potentially provides means of addressing both human and environmental predicaments. It shows several benefits, as it reduces many of the environmental impacts of conventional agriculture, it reduces reliance on costly external inputs, and guarantees price premiums for organic produce.