Economics of production of apple ber in Dhule district of Maharashtra

Abstract

The present investigation was conducted in Dhule district of Maharashtra state to study the economics of production and marketing of apple ber (Ziziphus mauritiana L.). Based on the highest acreage under apple ber cultivation, two tahsils namely Dhule and Sindkheda were purposively selected. From each tehsil, three villages were selected randomly, and from each village, 15 sample cultivators were selected across three categories: small (upto 0.40 ha), medium (0.41 to 0.80 ha), and large (above 0.80 ha). Thus, the final sample comprised 90 apple ber growers. Primary data pertaining to the agricultural year 2024-25 were collected through personal interviews using specially designed schedules and analysed using simple tabular approach, functional analysis. The per hectare establishment cost of apple ber orchard was estimated at ₹1,57,776.66, with manure constituting the largest expenditure (18.49%), followed by hired male labour (13.69%) and machine labour (13.67%). The total cost of cultivation averaged ₹4,35,243.61 per hectare. Meanwhile, per hectare cost of production was highest (Rs 4,37,157.49) in large group followed by medium (Rs 4,21,751.15) and small group (Rs 4,46,822.21). While gross returns amounted to ₹8,98,487.82, yielding net returns of ₹4,63,244.20 with a benefit-cost ratio of 2.06. Apple Ber is a profitable crop with large farmers getting maximum profit. The estimation of financial indicators suggests that apple ber is proven to be economically viable.