Resource use efficiency in coconut and coconut madi production in Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra

Abstract

Coconut, scientifically known as Cocos nucifera, is a versatile plant with numerous uses. The study was conducted in Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra and finding are based on primary data collection from 60 farmers. The study analyzed resource use efficiency in sole coconut and coconut madi production using the Cobb-Douglas production function in Ratnagiri district during 2023-24. Study revealed that in coconut farming, area, fertilizer, and irrigation indicated statistically significant and positive impact on yield, while excess human labour reduced productivity. Fertilizer had the strongest positive effect (bi = 0.5382). In coconut toddy (madi) is a tender juice obtained by cutting inflorescences and secretion of juice is collected daily usually in clay pots. Coconut madi orchards, orchard area, number of trees, and manure significantly improved yield, while fertilizer had a negative effect, indicating overuse. MVP/MFC ratios revealed underutilization of key resources like land, manure, and irrigation in both systems. The high R² value (0.99) in both models confirmed strong explanatory power. The findings suggest the need for efficient input allocation to improve productivity and profitability.