An Economic Analysis of Production Efficiency of Fodder Crops in Karnataka, India

Livestock is a vital component of subsistence farming which adds to the livelihood of rural poor in India. The maintenance, health and nutrition of livestock are mainly associated with the fodder available and provided. The total feed cost accounts for 60 to 70 per cent of livestock production. Considering this, the study was conducted to analyse the economics of fodder production in Karnataka which includes cost incurred in production, returns associated with it, resource use efficiency and marginal productivity of fodder. The study was conducted in all four revenue divisions of Karnataka by selecting one district from each revenue division. Purposive sampling technique was followed in selection of respondents. A total of 240 respondents were interviewed by a pre tested interview schedule. The cost associated with per acre production of fodder sorghum and fodder bajra were analysed and found that Hassan district showed highest cost of cultivation in both fodder sorghum and fodder bajra with a cost of Rs 23096 per acre for fodder sorghum and Rs 18059 per acre for fodder bajra. The resource use efficiency was analysed by production function estimates and the allocative efficiency of resources were also analysed in the study. The information generated may be helpful for livestock holders and policy makers for proper management of fodder and costs associated with it.