Profitability of maize cultivation under rainfed condition for marginal and small farmers

Abstract

The study was conducted in Chandel district of Manipur state to maximise the productivity of maize cultivation under rainfed condition. Maize is one of the most important crops, next to rice and is mostly grown under rainfed hilly upland conditions. In the region, maize production plays a significant role in ensuring food security and is used both for direct consumption as well as for livestock farming. It is a major source of income especially to the marginal and small farmers in rainfed areas of Manipur. The sample consisted of randomly selected 120 farmers who were growing maize under Front Line Demonstrations. The results revealed that Quality Protein maize var. HQPM-5 along with improved technology recorded an average grain yield of 43.52 q/ha with 43.92 per cent increased in yield over farmers practise. The study also showed that reduction in technology index from 45.91 during 2017-18 to 22.11 during 2019-20 exhibited the feasibility of demonstrated technology. The lower the value of technology index, the more is the feasibility of the technology. Further, it was found that the adoption of improved technologies with HYV not only increased the yield but also yield attributing traits of maize. Hence, there is a need to disseminate the improved technologies amongst the farmers with effective extension methods like training and demonstrations to enhanced crop production and profitability for small and marginal farmers.