| Abstract: |
This study, conducted in Parbat district, Nepal, aimed to comprehensively examine the economic aspects of rice production, involving an in-depth analysis of farmers' socioeconomic status, production factors, inputs, and challenges faced. The research employed pre-tested interview schedules, Focus Group Discussions (FGD), and Key Informant Surveys (KIS) for primary data collection, supplemented by secondary information from relevant publications. Using simple random sampling, data were gathered from 125 farmers, classified as small-scale and large-scale based on their average land holdings devoted to rice cultivation. Statistical tools including SPSS and Microsoft Excel were utilized for data analysis. The study revealed that the land area dedicated to rice cultivation averaged 6.08 ropani. Human labor was a predominant input, alongside seed, tillage, organic and chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and transportation, employed by both small and large farms. Production per household amounted to 1177.44 kg, with a productivity rate of 217.96 kg/ropani. Notably, there was a significant disparity in production per household, with small-scale farms yielding 971.2 kg and large-scale farms producing 1585 kg. The study estimated the total average cost, gross revenue, and gross margin per ropani as NPR. 12188.79, NPR. 18295.09, and NPR. 6106.29, respectively, resulting in an average benefit-cost ratio of 1.5. The Cobb Douglas production function analysis indicated that inputs such as human labor, tillage, organic manures, pesticides, and transportation positively influenced income, while chemical fertilizers costs had a negative impact. The computed return to scale value of 0.95 signified decreasing returns in rice production in Parbat district. Consequently, the study recommends addressing issues related to the quality of inputs and other challenges to maximize production and income in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |