Abstract: This study investigates the demographic characteristics, cropping patterns, and economic viability of small millet cultivation, specifically focusing on Ragi and Kodo, in Chhattisgarh state, with particular attention to Jashpur district It also examines “farmer’s perception of millets, production, constraints, varietal preference and their management”. A survey of 100 households revealed a diverse mix of farm sizes, including 15 marginal, 34 small, 40 medium, and 11 large farms. The male population slightly outnumbered the female population (58.51% vs 41.49%), with the majority (71%) belonging to Scheduled Tribes. Family size varied, with large farms having an average of 9 members, while small farms had an average of 5.29 members. The study found that during the kharif season, cropping intensity was highest on marginal farms (179.01%), while large farms showed the lowest (150.33%). Small millet production in Chhattisgarh displayed fluctuating trends: from 119,000 hectares in 2014-15, the area decreased to 44,000 hectares by 2022-23, although productivity improved from 232 kg/ha in 2014-15 to 492 kg/ha in 2022-23. The Compound Growth Rate (CGR) for area showed a decline of -9.62%, but the growth rate for productivity was positive at 9.92%. Economic analysis of Ragi cultivation revealed that the average cost of cultivation per hectare was Rs. 28,049.52, with human labor and bullock/machinery costs being the largest expenses. The income over different cost categories (A1, A2, B1, C1, etc.) showed that larger farms had higher returns, with income over Cost A1 and A2 averaging Rs. 35,091.86 per hectare. Similarly, Kodo cultivation required an average cost of Rs. 19,333.51 per hectare, with human labor as the primary expense. The income per hectare from Kodo cultivation varied from Rs. 34,544.64 (Cost A1) to Rs. 12,666.89 (Cost C3), demonstrating the profitability benefits of larger farms. Farmers faced significant challenges in both cultivation and marketing, including lack of irrigation, high-yielding seeds, and poor market access, particularly in terms of small marketable surplus and low producer share in the consumer price. The study emphasizes the need for targeted interventions to enhance resource availability, technical knowledge, and market infrastructure to improve the sustainability and profitability of small millet farming in the region.
Keywords: Rice, Variety, Economic, Farmer, Market
Author: Madhu Painkra, S.K. Joshi, H. Pathak and A.K. Gauraha
doi: https://doie.org/10.10346/AE.2025928190
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