Agave fibre extraction: A sustainable agro-based enterprise in dry regions of Karnataka

The extraction of fibre from Agave is the source of livelihood for the habitants of Kurudi Lambani Thanda of Chitradurga district, Karnataka. The present study examines economic prospects of agave fibre extraction for dry land farmers facing weather aberrant conditions. Three out of six processing units functioning in the study region were randomly selected. Enterprise budgeting technique was used to examine the profitability of agave fibre extraction. The study indicated that processors incurred cost of Rs. 8481.03 on extraction of a ton of agave fibre realizing net returns of Rs.14185.64 per ton. The enterprise was found to be economically viable with benefit cost ratio (BCR) of more than unity (2.67). On an average, an Agave fibre extraction unit provided employment opportunity to 24 labour force for eight months in a year. The unit is least affected due to weather aberration and hence can serve as an alternative source of income generation to marginal and small farmers as well as landless labourers in dry regions.