Assessing productivity and farm income from vegetable, rice and wheat-based systems in Takhatpur Block, Chhattisgarh

Abstract

The present study evaluates crop productivity, biomass generation, and economic viability of major agricultural components—vegetables, rice (kharif), and wheat (rabi)—across ten villages of Takhatpur block in Bilaspur district, Chhattisgarh, under prevailing agroforestry-based farming systems. The assessment was carried out using village-level primary data on yield, biomass, cost of cultivation, gross and net returns, and Benefit-Cost (B:C) ratio to understand inter-village variability and livelihood implications. Vegetable production showed strong economic potential, with the highest average yield recorded in Saida (30.11 t/ha), followed by Monch (27.42 t/ha) and Belpan (27.04 t/ha), while Bahtarai recorded the lowest yield (15.40 t/ha). Correspondingly, gross and net returns were maximum in Saida (₹12,04,364.80/ha and ₹8,33,019.09/ha, respectively), and B:C ratios exceeded 2.0 in most villages, indicating high profitability of vegetable cultivation. Rice (kharif) production exhibited notable variation, with the highest yields in Monch (97.07 q/ha), Belpan (93.64 q/ha), and Navapara (92.81 q/ha), while Bahtarai and Nirtu recorded comparatively lower yields. Higher biomass accumulation and residue yields in better-performing villages translated into superior economic returns, with B:C ratios reaching up to 2.76 in Belpan and 2.72 in Monch. Wheat (rabi) cultivation showed relatively lower profitability compared to rice, despite reasonable yields in villages such as Monch, Saida, and Belpan. The B:C ratio for wheat ranged from 1.49 to 1.92, reflecting higher input costs and sensitivity to climatic stress during the rabi season. Overall, the study highlights that vegetable-based systems offer the highest income potential, followed by rice, while wheat remains essential for food security despite lower profitability. Inter-village differences were mainly attributed to variation in irrigation availability, soil fertility, access to inputs, and crop management practices. The findings underscore the importance of targeted interventions, including improved irrigation, adoption of high-yielding varieties, and strengthened market linkages, to enhance productivity, profitability, and sustainability of agroforestry-based farming systems in Takhatpur block.