Impact of organic sugarcane farming on economics and water use efficiency in maharashtra

K. G. Kshirsagar

Conference Papers from International Water Management Institute

Abstract: This study examines the impact of organic farming on economics and water use efficiency in sugarcane cultivation in Maharashtra. The study is based on primary data collected from both certified organic sugarcane (OS) and inorganic sugarcane (IS) growing sample farmers in the water scarce and groundwater dependent district of Jalgaon in Maharashtra. The study finds that OS cultivation increases human labour employment by 20.2% and its overall cost of cultivation is also lower by 14.67% than IS farming. Although the yield from OS is 6.2% lower than the conventional crop, it is more than compensated by the price premium received and yield stability observed on OS farms. The OS farming gives 15.72% higher profits and profits are also more stable on OS farms than the IS farms thereby enhancing the economic well-being of OS farmers. Crucially, OS farming substantially enhances the water use efficiency (WUE) measured by different indicators. Thus, OS farming offers ample opportunities for enhancing farmers\u2019 income and improving water use efficiency in the cultivation of a highly water-consumptive and important sugarcane crop in the state. Finally, the paper discusses the emerging issues and outlines the task ahead for advancing OS farming in Maharashtra.

Keywords: Organic; agriculture; Water; use (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2008
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:iwt:conppr:h043609

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