Resource use efficiency and economic potential of barley cultivation in Haryana

The present study was conducted during 2023-24 in two districts namely, Rewari and Mahindergarh from south west Haryana with the objective to analyze the profitability, resource use efficiency and constraints faced by barley farmers. Budgeting technique was employed to draw practical implications, production function technique was used for measure the extent of resource use in barley cultivation for taking policy decisions to encourage its cultivation in Haryana. The result of the study revealed that overall average per hectare total cost of cultivation was Rs. 69940. The overall average gross return was Rs. 83638 per hectare. The return over variable cost and net return were Rs. 45808 and RS 13698 per hectare, respectively. Moreover, the value of overall B: C ratio over variable and total cost was 2.21 & 1.20 respectively which indicated the economic viability of barley crop in the study area. The value of the coefficient of multiple determination indicated that 46.69 percent of variation in the total gross income of barley cultivation was explained by explanatory variables included in the model. The efficiency ratio of the input, machine, chemical fertilizers, plant protection and irrigation were greater than one indication that the user of these were under-utilized, while human labour and seed cost but were less than one which indicated over utilization of these resources. Major constraints were less profitable as compared to completing crops (92%) low consumption of barley as staple food (88%), poor fodder quality (84%), Low processing units in local area (82%) and less availability of improved varieties without husk (72%).