An Economic Analysis of Tomato Cultivation in Dindigul District of Tamil Nadu

Tomato is an important vegetable crop and it has greater economic importance among the vegetables since it is one of the leading commodities in agricultural exports. The agricultural commodity prices affect the level of living of both consumers and farmers. This research work main objectives are to study the cost and returns structure of tomato cultivation for small and large farmers in study area and to analyse the nature of the distribution of per acre net income and the extent of inequalities in the net income per acre of small and large farmers. This work also focuses to identify the determinants of yield and factors causing yield gap with regard to small and large farmers in Palani taluk of Tamil Nadu. This study based on primary data and secondary data. Primary data collected from 300 sample respondents using stratified random sampling method. Secondary data analysis from Agricultural Department Reports, District Statistical Report and various budget documents of Government of Tamil Nadu. This study finds to the most of the farmers engaged small agro tomato cultivators in study area. Small farmers are facing many difficulties like loan, climate, market price and fertilizer cost in market. This study gives to action oriented suggestions for improving the tomato cultivation and marketing information to farmers.