Assessing the economics and problems of soybean growers: A study of Buldhana District

This research explores the economic returns and production challenges associated with soybean cultivation in the Deulgaon Raja and Sindkhed Raja tehsils of Buldhana district. The study primarily aims to evaluate the Benefit-Cost (B:C) ratio of soybean farming and to identify major production-related problems faced by farmers using the Garrett Ranking method. Data were collected from 90 soybean growers through structured interviews. The B:C ratio was calculated to assess the profitability of cultivation, which showed that soybean farming is economically viable but subject to variations due to input costs and environmental factors. Production constraints were ranked by farmers, and the Garrett Ranking technique was applied to determine their severity. The results indicated that unfavorable weather conditions and shortage of labor during peak periods were the most significant problems. Other concerns included limited access to quality seeds, pest attacks, and inadequate credit facilities. The study concludes that although soybean is a profitable crop in the region, addressing these key production issues is essential to improve farm productivity and ensure sustainable income for cultivators.