Economic analysis of watermelon based on production system in Trans-Himalaya region of Ladakh

Abstract

A case study was conducted at villages of Takmachik, Domkhar, Dha and Beema of trans-himalaya region of Ladakh during 2017. By cultivation technique developed by DIHAR, Tata Trusts and partner NGOs distributed the seeds and seedling of watermelon to be cultivated in open fields of villages of Takmachik, Domakhar, Dha and Beema with the Objectives to study the analyze per kanal costs, returns and profitability of watermelon production in the study area and to evaluate the cost of production per quintal of watermelon fruits on different size farm groups. Data were collected using structured questionnaire on farmers output, production input variables (farm size, labour used, compost, cost of seed, harvesting cost). All data on resource use, production cost and outputs were converted to per kanal equivalent. It reveals that overall cost of cultivation of watermelon crop was Rs/Kanal 18150/-. The large contribution have been observed in family labour use with Rs 14400 and shared of 81.78 percent to the total cost. The cost of cultivation of watermelon per kanal in small, medium and large groups is Rs. 7125, Rs 11775 and Rs. 18150 respectively and the average cost of cultivation per kanal is 12350. The costs and return of watermelon by farm size is represented on gross return received; net returns obtained after subtracting the total cost of cultivation of watermelon, yield per ton of watermelon production and benefit received on per rupee investment in watermelon cultivation is Rs.3.407. Overall, estimated gross return of watermelon was Rs/ha 80000/- and obtained net return was Rs. 61850/-.