Assessing the Comparative Economics of Chickpea: FPO in Banda District of Bundelkhand Region

This paper critically examines economics of the members and non-members chickpea growers of the FPOs in the Banda District of Bundelkhand region. The study was designed to explore the feasibility of chickpea production in Banda district, which encompasses eight blocks i.e. Badokhar Khurd, Jaspura, Tindwari, Naraini, Mahuva, Baberu, Bisanda and Kamasin. Among these, Mahuwa block was selected purposively, because it had highest number of FPOs. In Mahuva block, out of eight FPOs, four FPOs were selected. From the selected FPOs, 60 members who cultivated chickpea of their farm were sampled. 60 respondents who were not a member of any FPOs were selected from 4 villages. Total sample size were 120 respondents. The profitability analysis indicates that the total cost of cultivation for FPOs members was lower (Rs. 34821.03) per hectare and non-members was higher (Rs. 36186.01) per hectare. The analysis of return indicates about the total net return of FPOs members was Rs. 27542.72 per hectare and cost of production was estimated Rs.2161.45 per qtl., while the total net return for the non-members was Rs. 12922.88 per hectare and cost of production was estimated Rs. 2631.70 per qtl. The benefit cost ratio (BCR) for FPOs members was 1:1.79 whereas non-members were 1:1.35. This indicates that the FPOs members spends less and earns more in comparison to non-members of chickpea growers in the study area.