Economic assessment of water chestnut production: A case study of Gariyaband District

Abstract

The present study analyses the cost and return structure of water chestnut (Trapa bispinosa) cultivation in Gariyaband district of Chhattisgarh using primary data collected from 50 sample farmers. The results revealed that the total cost of cultivation was ?74,065.55 per hectare, comprising input material cost (41.66%), labour and power cost (56.49%) and fixed cost (1.85%). Among input materials, seed accounted for the highest share (42.13%) followed by plant protection chemicals (21.23%) and fertilizers (17.83%). The average yield was recorded at 38 quintals per hectare with a market price of ?7,000 per quintal, generating a gross income of ?2,66,000 per hectare. The net income was estimated at ?1,91,934.45 per hectare, with a benefit–cost ratio of 2.59 and an input–output ratio of 3.59, indicating high economic viability. The cost of production was calculated at ?1,949.09 per quintal. The findings highlight that water chestnut cultivation in Gariyaband district is a highly profitable enterprise and offers significant scope for income generation and livelihood improvement for farmers.