Economics of vegetable production in Manipur

The results revealed that both the cost of cultivation and cost of production was found to be highest in the case of peas followed by cauliflower and cabbage. The cost incurred on human labour was found to be the major cost component in the cultivation of all the three vegetables suggesting that vegetables are labour-intensive crops. While the highest gross returns was reported in pea cultivation followed by cauliflower and cabbage cultivation, the net returns was found to be highest in case of cauliflower cultivation followed by pea and cabbage cultivation. High cost of seeds and unavailability of good quality seeds were cited as the major constraints faced by the vegetable growers. The study revealed that vegetable production was a remunerative enterprise, but it could be made more profitable if farmers are made aware of new and improved technologies for crop management. Also, human labour cost can be reduced by use of efficient tools and equipments which will lead to overall decrease in cost incurred in vegetable cultivation. To mitigate the production constraints, research and extension facilities in the state should be strengthened and efforts for timely supply of crucial inputs at reasonable price and in adequate quantity to the farmers should be undertaken.