Economic Assessment and Profitability Analysis of Wheat Cultivation in Gwalior District, Madhya Pradesh, India
Rahul Kumar *
Department of Agricultural Economics, R.V.S.K.V.V. Gwalior (M.P), India.
A.M. Jaulkar
Department of Agricultural Economics, R.V.S.K.V.V. Gwalior (M.P), India.
Megha Sahu
Department of Agricultural Economics, R.V.S.K.V.V. Gwalior (M.P), India.
Ankit Soni
Department of Agricultural Economics, M.G.C.G.V, Chitrakoot Satna (M.P), India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The study was conducted to economic assessment and profitability analysis of wheat cultivation across various farm sizes in the Gwalior district of Madhya Pradesh. Using data collected from sample farmers through random sampling, the average total cost of cultivation (Cost C3) was estimated at ₹43,541.69/ha. Small and marginal farms incurred higher costs due to land leasing, while large farms achieved lower production costs and higher profitability. Operational cost (Cost A1) accounted for 63.28% of total cost, mainly from fertilizers, manure, and seeds. The cost of production ranged from ₹987.12/qtl on small farms to ₹847.62/qtl on large farms. Large farms also realized the highest yield (36 qtl/ha), gross income (₹80,960/ha), and benefit-cost ratio (1:1.88). The results highlight that larger farm benefit from economies of scale, better input management, and improved profitability in wheat cultivation.
Keywords: Wheat, cost of cultivation, farm size, profitability