Economic study on costs and returns of sugarcane in Ghazipur district of Uttar Pradesh

In the present paper, an attempt has been made to examines the cost of cultivation of sugarcane and associated profit measures, utilizing primary data collected from Ghazipur district, Uttar Pradesh, during the agricultural year 2022-2023. Employed multi-stage cum purposive random sampling technique, 100 respondents (Marginal-59, Small-31, & Medium-10) were selected from two blocks i.e., Mardah and Birno block based on sugarcane acreage. Findings revealed an average farm size of 1.20 hectares, with varied cropping patterns and intensities across marginal, small, and medium-sized farms. Marginal farms exhibited the highest cropping intensity (194.53%). The gross income per hectare in sugarcane was observed maximum under medium farms of Rs. 172945.90 due to intensive cultivation & more use of human labour. Whereas on overall average, net income was found Rs. 62292.41 per hectare in the study area. The average cost of cultivation was Rs. 95453.88 per hectare, with the maximum cost incurred in the sugarcane crop due to human labor, accounting for 16.27% of the overall cost. Input-output ratio related to cost C3, was highest on medium farms (1:1.72). Medium farms emerged with the highest gross and net incomes, indicating their economic efficiency in sugarcane production. Policy implications underscore the necessity for tailored support mechanisms to enhance resource access and income levels, particularly for small and marginal farmers. Such support may involve improving access to inputs, technology, and markets, as well as providing financial assistance and strengthening agricultural extension services. These measures are crucial for promoting equitable agricultural development and socio-economic progress in rural communities, ultimately fostering sustainable livelihoods.