Production efficiency of summer okra in Bhandara district of Maharashtra state

Abstract

This study assesses the production efficiency of summer okra in Bhandara district of Vidarbha region of Maharashtra state using a stochastic frontier production function model. A sample of 40 summer okra growers was selected, and input-output data was collected for the summer season 2024. The average per hectare total cost of cultivation i.e. cost ‘C3’ of summer okra was estimated Rs. 126519.80, with cost categories ‘A1’ and ‘A2’ amounting to Rs. 65699.80, representing 51.92 per cent of the total costs. Among these, hired human labour accounted for the largest share at Rs. 27288.69 (21.53 per cent), followed by seed was Rs. 13521.60 (10.68 per cent). The highest B:C ratio at cost ‘C3’was 1.86, indicates that summer okra cultivation is a profitable venture. The results showed mean technical, economic and allocative efficiencies were found to be 91.81per cent, 72.18 per cent and 76.33 per cent, respectively. The findings of the study demonstrate opportunities for summer okra farmers in the region to enhance productivity, reduce costs, and optimize resource allocation, leading to improved overall efficiency and competitiveness.