Economic Analysis of Cluster Bean in Hanumangarh District of Rajasthan, India

Cluster bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba) is an important dryland crop in Rajasthan, but farm-size differences in cultivation economics and producer constraints require district-level assessment. The present study was undertaken to assess the economics of cluster bean cultivation in Hanumangarh district of Rajasthan. The economics of cluster bean cultivation was assessed using standard farm-management cost concepts and profitability measures. The average Cost C₂ was estimated at ₹14,579.50 ha⁻¹, with corresponding values of ₹13,834.76, ₹14,540.67, and ₹15,363.06 ha⁻¹ for small, medium, and large farms, respectively. The average cost of production was estimated at ₹3,093.25 q⁻¹. The average gross and net returns were ₹25,999.60 and ₹11,420.11 ha⁻¹, respectively, while gross returns less Cost C₃ amounted to ₹9,962.15 ha⁻¹. The return per rupee invested was estimated at ₹1.80, ₹1.77, and ₹1.77 for small, medium, and large farms, respectively. The findings indicate that cluster bean cultivation generated positive economic returns across all farm-size categories considered in the study. The study revealed that cluster bean farmers in the study area faced several constraints related to crop management, availability of inputs, technical knowledge, plant protection, labour and irrigation facilities. Among the identified constraints, weed infestation emerged as the most important constraint, followed by non-availability of quality seed and improved varieties and limited access to technical know-how. Overall, the Garrett ranking indicates that high transportation costs were the most prominent marketing constraint, followed by price fluctuations, inadequate transportation facilities, inadequate processing units in the local area, lack of market news and intelligence, and lack of storage facilities. Strengthening transportation and storage infrastructure, improving access to reliable market information, and promoting local processing facilities may contribute to improving the efficiency of cluster bean marketing and enhancing farmers’ price realisation.