Technology Inputs and its Impact on Farm Profits : A Case Study of Rapeseed-Mustard

Oilseed crops form a significant part of the agricultural economy in India. Under the All India Coordinated Research Project on Rapeseed-Mustard (AICRPRM), the technologies developed through research are demonstrated under field conditions through Frontline Demonstrations (FLDs). From these demonstrations an understanding of the economic potential of each of the improved technology is possible. This paper attempts to study the economic performance of technologies recommended for Indian mustard using the data from frontline demonstrations conducted under AICRPRM. Technical and economic assessment of the technology using parameters like Yield Increase over Farmers Practice (YIOFP), Additional Net Monetary returns (ANMR) and Incremental Benefit Cost Ratio (IBCR) are used to judge the economic potential of the technology. The whole package technology in Indian mustard gave an yield advantage of 24.9 per cent over the farmers practice under irrigated condition and the varietal component gave an yield advantage of 13.5 per cent. The IBCR values for component technology ranges from 3.2 for plant disease management to 6.2 in case of pest management technology. Technologies like Sulphur nutrition and weed control are found to have higher potential in terms of increase in B:C ratio and yield advantage. A conservative exante estimate of potential impact on rapeseed-mustard production indicates that the production could be raised by 0.55 million tonnes on existing crop area if 50 percent of farmers adopt the improved technology. The study shows variation between the technologies with regard to their economic potential and technical potential parameters which calls for informed selection of technologies for popularization.