Does Maize Cultivation is Profitable in Tamil Nadu-economics of Maize cultivation in Western Zone of Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

Maize is important cereal crop and widely cultivated across India after Rice and Wheat. Maize in India, contributes nearly 9 per cent in the national food basket. Maize is cultivated throughout the year in all states of the country for various purposes including grain, fodder, green cobs, sweet corn, baby corn, popcorn in peri-urban areas. The present study is taken to identify the economics of maize cultivation in different districts of western zone of Tamil Nadu. The study is based on the primary data. The primary data required for the study were collected through personal interview from 166 farmers with the help of a comprehensive interview schedule. The study identifies that ploughing cost differs from Rs.11450 to Rs.11850, cost for seed and sowing differs from Rs.10500 to Rs.11,500. The study also identifies that on average the maize farmers earn Rs.50,000 per hectare and the benefit cost ratio come around 1.6.