CHAPTER IV COST AND RETURNS FROM MANGO CULTIVATION 4.1 INTRODUCTION In this chapter, an attempt has been made to analyse cost and returns from mango cultivation. For this purpose, the collected data have been analysed and compared with reference to costs and returns including various components of cost between two taluks namely, Shenkottai and Tenkasi in Thirunelveli district. The varieties of mango mainly raised by the farmers are Banganapalli, Alphonso, Neelam, Banglore and Sendhura in these two taluks neither of them exclusively but in the same orchard. Hence, in the present study, costs were worked out for mango crop as such and there is no separate cost estimates for different varieties. Yield and returns were calculated separately for each variety on the basis of the information collected from the questionnaire. Then the pooled gross income was worked out for further analysis. 4.2 COST COMPONENTS Mango being a perennial horticultural crop, cost of production of mango has been classified into direct and indirect costs. Direct cost included the
Transcript
CHAPTER IV
COST AND RETURNS FROM MANGO CULTIVATION
4.1 INTRODUCTION
In this chapter, an attempt has been made to analyse cost and returns
from mango cultivation. For this purpose, the collected data have been
analysed and compared with reference to costs and returns including various
components of cost between two taluks namely, Shenkottai and Tenkasi in
Thirunelveli district. The varieties of mango mainly raised by the farmers are
Banganapalli, Alphonso, Neelam, Banglore and Sendhura in these two taluks
neither of them exclusively but in the same orchard. Hence, in the present
study, costs were worked out for mango crop as such and there is no separate
cost estimates for different varieties. Yield and returns were calculated
separately for each variety on the basis of the information collected from the
questionnaire. Then the pooled gross income was worked out for further
analysis.
4.2 COST COMPONENTS
Mango being a perennial horticultural crop, cost of production of mango
has been classified into direct and indirect costs. Direct cost included the
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operation and maintenance costs and indirect cost included the annual share of
establishment cost, interest on fixed capital, interest on working capital and
depreciation.
4.1.1 Cost of Establishment of Mango Orchard
The pre-bearing costs incurred in the establishment of mango crop up to
bearing stage formed the establishment cost. The establishment cost included
all the costs incurred from the initial establishment i.e., seed material and
planting, fencing and gap filling up to the stage of bearing, i.e., 5th
and 6th
year.
The total establishment cost included that of initial establishment, plant
protection, fertilizer and manures, human labour, tillage, watch and ward, land
tax up to the stage of bearing and repair and upkeep of farm implements. The
implement cost for five years was accordingly estimated at the prevailing
prices of inputs during the period under study.
The cost of establishment of mango in Shenkottai and Tenkasi taluks is
presented in the following Table 4.1. Total cost of establishment of mango
orchard per acre for five years was found to be Rs.22328 in Shenkottai taluk
and Rs.19532 in Tenkasi taluk. The net establishment of mango orchard per
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acre was Rs.20778 for Shenkottai orchard and Rs.18082 in the case of Tenkasi
orchard. The break-up details of costs are given in Table 4.1.
TABLE 4.1
COST OF ESTABLISHMENT OF MANGO ORCHARD PER ACRE
FOR 5 YEARS
Sl.
No.
Cost Components Shenkottai Taluk Tenkasi Taluk
In Rs. Percent In Rs. Percent
1. Initial Establishment
i) Seed material and Planting 1200 5.37 960 4.92
ii) Gap filling 48 0.21 72 0.37
iii) Fencing 680 3.05 760 3.89
2. Fertilizer and manures 600 2.69 400 2.05
3. Human labour 3,400 15.22 1140 5.84
4. Bullock labour 3,000 13.44 1800 9.22
5. Watch and ward 1000 4.48 1000 5.12
6. Interest on land value and land
tax
12,150 54.42 13,150 67.32
7. Recent and upkeep of farm
implements
250 1.12 250 1.27
8. Total establishment cost 22,328 100.00 19,532 100.00
9. Income from intercrop 1550 1450
10. Net establishment cost 20,778 18,082
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The initial establishment costs such as seed material and planting, gap
filling and fencing account for 8.63 per cent of the total establishment cost in
Shenkottai taluk and 9.18 per cent in Tenkasi taluk. The average initial
establishment cost varied from Rs.1792 in Tenkasi taluk to Rs.1928 in
Shenkottai taluk.
Seed material and planting cost was Rs.1200 in Shenkottai and Rs.960 in
Tenkasi taluk. Fencing and gap filling costs were slightly higher in Tenkasi
than Shenkottai. The cost figures were Rs.680 for fencing and Rs.48 for gap
filling in Shenkottai and Rs.760 and Rs.72 for fencing and gap filling in
Tenkasi.
The life cycle of mango may be divided into five stages, i.e., the nursery,
the establishment in the field, the non-bearing period, the bearing period and
the ageing trees. The nutritional requirements in each of these periods would
normally differ. At the time of establishment in the field it is necessary to
ensure least mortality. Normally at the time of planting manures and fertilizers
were not applied since the application of manures would prove harmful.
Application of fertilizers and manures was not unique to all orchards. The cost
of fertilizer and manures was lowest in Tenkasi is more congenial than
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Shenkottai for mango cultivation. Cost of fertilizers and manures was Rs.600
in Shenkottai and Rs.400 in Tenkasi and their percentage share in the total
establishment cost was 2.69 per cent and 2.05 per cent respectively.
The cost of human labour charges per acre for five years was worked out
to Rs.3,400 and Rs.1140 and it was accounted 15.22 per cent and 5.84 per cent
in the total cost of establishment in Shenkottai and Tenkasi taluks respectively.
The cost of human labour and its percentage share in total establishment cost is
higher in Shenkottai compared to Tenkasi. Cost of human labour included the
expenditure on labour for digging pits, filling the digs, planting, application of
manures and fertilizers, de blossoming, after cultivation such as weeding,
hoeing, guiding the water, etc. In Shenkottai more men and women were used
for proper watering up to six months than in Tenkasi and further wage rates are
higher for both men and women in Shenkottai compared to Tenkasi. The cost
of human labour was calculated at the price of Rs.40 per man-day in
Shenkottai and Rs.30 per man-day in Tenkasi which are the prevailing wage
rate during the period under study. This is why the reason for higher human
cost in Shenkottai than in Tenkasi. But, in the case of women labour in both
the taluks, 2 women-days of eight hours each were considered as one man-day
in the basis of the prevailing wage rate.
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Inter cultivation was the main tillage operation in establishing and
established plantations. The main practice followed was ploughing. During the
period of establishment of orchards, six ploughings were common per year.
The cost of bullock labour per pair per day was Rs.100 and Rs.40 in Shenkottai
and Tenkasi respectively. It includes the cost of human labour engaged along
with the bullock pairs. Bullock labour cost per year per acre was worked out to
be Rs.600 in Shenkottai and Rs.360 in Tenkasi. The cost of bullock labour in
the total establishment cost was 13.44 per cent in Shenkottai and 9.22 per cent
in Tenkasi.
Watch and ward cost and repair and upkeep of farm implements were
found to be Rs.1000 and Rs.250 respectively in both Shenkottai and Tenkasi
taluks. But the percentage share of these costs in the total establishment cast
varies in these two taluks. The percentage share was 5.60 per cent in
Shenkottai and 6.39 per cent in Tenkasi.
The interest on land value and tax were substantial and it shared 54.42
percent and 67.32 per cent of the total establishment cost in Shenkottai and
Tenkasi taluk respectively. An interest rate of 10.50 per cent was charged on
the market value of land. The interest on land was lowest in Shenkottai taluk
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with Rs.2,410 per annum and highest in Tenkasi taluk with Rs.2,610. The land
tax in both taluks was the same and the land tax per annum was Rs.20. the
variation in the value of land indicated the difference in their fertility levels
and their proximity to the market and the approach roads. The land values
during the period under study were Rs.22,952 and Rs.24,858 per acre in
Shenkottai and Tenkasi taluks respectively.
The mango orchards, especially in the first 3 to 5 years of their life are
intercropped with minor millets and pulses to utilise profitably the vacant
space lying between the trees. Here, the income from intercrop in the two
taluks was almost the same. The average net cost per acre to establish a mango
orchard was worked by deducting the average per acre income from intercrop
from the total establishment cost. The average total establishment cost per acre
of mango orchard amounted to Rs.22,328 in Shenkottai orchard and Rs.9,766
in Tenkasi orchard. The net establishment cost for establishing one acre in
Shenkottai mango orchard was Rs.20,378 and in the case of Tenkasi it was
amounted to Rs.18,082.
Mango being a perennial crop, its life time extends over a period of 50
years. The annual share of cost of establishment in the total cost of production
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was Rs.415.56 Shenkottai taluk and Rs.361.64 in Tenkasi taluk. The annual
share of establishment cost was worked out based on the assessment that the
life time of mango is 50 years.1
4.1.2 Operation and Maintenance Cost of Mango Orchard
Operation and maintenance costs were those costs which were incurred
during the bearing stage. Expenditure on labour, tillage practices in terms of
bullock labour, manures and fertilizers, plant protection, watch and ward and
land tax form the cost of operation and maintenance of mango orchard.
The taluk wise break-up of operation and maintenance cost is presented
in the following Table 4.2. It is evident from the Table that operation cost
which includes labour cost both human and bullock, cost on plant protection
and watch and ward cost plus land taxes accounts for 57.14 per cent of the total
cost on operation and maintenance on Shenkottai and 50.36 per cent in
Tenkasi. Of this, cost on plant protection ranks high with a percentage of 25.85
in Shenkottai taluk and 26.72 per cent in Tenkasi. Watch and ward cost ranks
next with a percentage of 13.61 and 10.83 in Shenkottai and Tenkasi taluks
respectively. Human and bullock labour cost form 9.25 per cent and 8.16 per
1 D.Singh, et.al., Survey on Fresh Fruits in Tamil Nadu (1971-73), Institute of
Agricultural research Statistics, New Delhi, 1976, p.38.
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cent of the total cost in Shenkottai and 5.95 per cent and 6.50 per cent in
Tenkasi.
TABLE 4.2
TALUKWISE OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE COST PER
ACRE OF MANGE ORCHARD
Sl.
No.Cost Components
Shenkottai Taluk Tenkasi Taluk
In Rs. Percent In Rs. Percent
I. Operation Cost:
1. Human labour 680 9.25 330 5.95
2. Bullock labour 600 8.16 360 6.50
3. Plant protection 1900 25.85 1486 26.72
4. Watch and ward 100 13.61 600 10.83
5. Land tax 20 0.27 20 0.36
Total 4,200 57.14 2,790 50.36
II. Maintenance Cost
1. Repair and upkeep of implements 100 1.36 100 1.81
2. Transport cost with unloading 1050 14.29 650 11.73
3. Commission, etc. 2,000 27.21 2,000 36.10
Total 3,150 42.86 2,750 49.64
Grand Total (I + II) 7,350 100.00 5,540 100.00
A detailed analysis of the constituents of operation cost reveals that in
Shenkottai, human labour cost is arrived at based on information that 24 men
and 20 women need to be employed for harvesting at the rate of Rs.40 for male
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and Rs.20 for female labour. Hence, the cost of human labour was worked to
be Rs.680.
Similarly six bullocks were hired at the rate of Rs.100 with the cost of
bullock labour amounting to Rs.600.
For plant protection chemicals worth Rs.100 was purchased and for
spraying 24 men and 24 women were employed at the rate of Rs.40 and Rs.20
respectively.
The total cost on plant protection including cost of chemicals (i.e.,
Rs.1000), cost of human labour (i.e., Rs.720) and cost of sprayers (i.e., Rs.180)
was Rs.1900.
In Tenkasi taluk, for harvesting 12 men and 20 women were employed
at the rate of Rs.30 and Rs.15 respectively and the total cost on human labour
was Rs.330.
Six bullocks were hired at the rate of Rs.60 with the cost of bullock
labour amounting to Rs.360.
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Plant protection cost included the cost of chemicals (Rs.1000), cost of
human labour (Rs.360) i.e., the cost of employing 12 men and 24 women for
spraying at the rate of Rs.30 and Rs.15 respectively and cost of sprayers
(Rs.120). The total cost of plant protection was Rs.1480.
The cost of maintenance like repair and upkeep of implements, transport
and commission charges formed 42.86 per cent of the total cost in Shenkottai
and 49.64 per cent in Tenkasi of which commission charges alone accounted
for 27.21 per cent and 36.10 per cent in Shenkottai and Tenkasi respectively.
Transport and unloading cost is 14.29 per cent in Shenkottai and 11.73 per cent
in Tenkasi. Repair and upkeep of implements was less than two per cent in
both taluks.
On the whole the operation and maintenance cost together amounted to
Rs.7,350 in Shenkottai taluk and Rs.5,540 in Tenkasi.
4.1.3 Cost of Production
The cost of production of mangoes included (i) direct costs and (ii)
indirect costs. The direct costs included annual operation and maintenance
costs incurred during the reference year i.e., the agricultural year during which
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primary data collection was made. The indirect costs included the annual share
of establishment cost up to bearing, interest on fixed and working capital and
depreciation of fixed assets. The detailed break-up of these costs is presented
in Table 4.3 for Shenkottai and Tenkasi taluks.
TABLE 4.3
COST OF PRODUCTION OF MANGO PER ACRE IN RADHAPURAM
AND NANGUNERI TALUKS
Sl.
No.
Cost Components Shenkottai Taluk Tenkasi Taluk
In Rs. Percent In Rs. Percent
I. Direct Cost:
Operation and Maintenance cost 7,350.00 68.84 5,540.00 66.06
II. Indirect Cost:
1. Annual share of establishment
cost
415.56 3.89 361.64 4.31
2. Depreciation 500.00 4.68 400.00 4.77
3. Interest on fixed capital 1530.00 14.33 1420.00 16.93
4. Interest on working capital 882.00 8.26 664.00 7.93
Total 3,327.56 31.16 2,845.64 33.94
Total cost (I + II ) 10,677.56 100.00 8,385.64 100.00
It could be seen from the Table 4.3 that the total cost of production was
Rs.10,677.56 in Shenkottai whereas in Tenkasi, it amounted to Rs.8,385.64.
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The direct cost accounted for 68.84 per cent in total cost of production in
Shenkottai whereas in Tenkasi it accounted for 66.06 per cent.
The indirect costs accounted for 31.16 per cent of total cost of
production in Shenkottai and 33.94 per cent in Tenkasi. Among the
components of indirect costs, interest on fixed capital formed the major item. It
accounted for Rs.1530 in Shenkottai and Rs.1420 in Tenkasi. The other
components of indirect cost included, and interest on working capital and they
accounted for 3.89 per cent, 4.68 per cent and 8.26 per cent respectively in
Shenkottai and 4.31 per cent, 4.77 per cent and 7.93 per cent respectively in
Tenkasi.
Table 4.4 gives taluk-wise and variety wise yield and return per acre of
mango in Shenkottai and Tenkasi taluk. The yield in physical terms was 8.32
metric tonnes and in Shenkottai and in Tenkasi yield was 6.10 metric tonnes.
The prevailing rate in the market during the period under study was ranging
between Rs.2, 800 -3,000 per metric tonne in Shenkottai. In Tenkasi, it was
Rs.3267.24 per metric tonne. The price variation was due to the variety of
mango. Yield per acre in money term was Rs.31,724.90 in Shenkottai and
Rs.19,849.00 in Tenkasi.
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TABLE 4.4
TALUK WISE YIELD AND RETURN PER ACRE
Particulars Shenkottai Taluk Tenkasi Taluk
Yield (in metric tonnes) 9.25 7.32
Return (in Rs.) 31,724.90 19,849.00
Source: Survey Data.
A higher yield and return are observed in Shenkottai taluk compared to
Tenkasi. The reasons for higher yield in Shenkottai taluk are: since long back
mango cultivation practice was set at Shenkottai taluk, a full pledged bearing
tree between the age of 20 to 35 years are more in each orchard. The second
main reason for higher yield is that in Shenkottai more number of trees is
planted per acre compared to Tenkasi. It has been observed that averages of 50
trees were planted per acre in Shenkottai whereas the average number of trees
per acre planted in Tenkasi was only 40. This is because of expecting a wide
spread canopy due to congenial soil and humidity in Tenkasi a more space
between the trees was given at the time of planting. It was observed that the
space between the trees was 10 m x 10 m in Tenkasi and 9 m x 9 m in
Shenkottai.
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It may also be observed as one of the reasons that cultivators of mango
in Shenkottai are taking special care compared to Tenkasi cultivators as far as
certain cultivation practices are concerned such as watering the trees at
extraordinary drought situations, regular pruning, bunding, etc.
Higher return in Shenkottai was due to the fact that market was
diversified extending beyond the state i.e., Kerala, Karnataka, Gujarat, etc.,
whereas market was realised in Tenkasi only within the State i.e., Madurai,
Trichy, Karur and Dindigul. This is the main reason why the price differs for
the same variety in Shenkottai and Tenkasi.
Per acre net return from mango cultivation is presented in Table 4.5.
TABLE 4.5
COST AND RETURNS OF MANGO (RUPEES / ACRE)
Taluk Gross
Return
Total Cost of
Cultivation
Net Return over Cost
of Cultivation
Shenkottai 31,724.90 10,677.56 21,047.34
Tenkasi 19,849.00 8,385.64 11,463.36
Net return that is cost of production over gross return was Rs.21,047.34
in Shenkottai and it was Rs.11,463.36 in Tenkasii. Net return figures also show
a higher in Shenkottai compared to Tenkasi.
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4.3 AGE-WISE ANALYSIS OF MANGO ORCHARD
Mango being a perennial crop, its life time extends over a long period of
time. Various stages of cost of production could be estimated only if the cost
and yield figures during the entire span are taken into account. For the purpose
of analysis, life span of mango was classified into three stages, such as the
initial bearing stage, peak bearing stage and declining stage depending on the
yield potential of the orchard. Upon the 5th
year, establishment of the orchard
involves cost and no yield takes place.
Cost of production of one kilogram of mango in Shenkottai taluk is
presented in Table 4.6.
TABLE 4.6
COST OF PRODUCTION OF ONE KILOGRAM OF MANGO IN
SHENKOTTAI TALUK
Sl.
No.
Stage of the
Orchard
Cost of
Production
(in Rs.)
Per acre Yield
(in kg.)
Cost per
kilogram
(in Rs.)
1. 6th
to 20th
year 11,360.90 9,640.80 1.18
2. 21st to 35
th year 10,730.64 21,960.74 0.49
3. 36 and above 9,881.24 18,201.26 0.54
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Cost of production is observed to decrease with the age of the orchard
and yield has increased from 9640.80 kg / acre to 21,960.74 kg / acre and has
declined to 18,201.26 kg / acre beyond 35 the year.
Cost of production per kilogram of mango has declined from Rs.1.18 to
Rs.0.49 in the second stage and increased to Rs.0.54 in the third stage. A
higher initial cost the reason why the yield of mango is raised to the maximum
only in the second stage and during the first and third stage yield is
comparatively low.
Cost of production per kilogram of mango in Tenkasi taluk is given in
table 4.7.
TABLE 4.7
COST OF PRODUCTION OF ONE KILOGRAM OF MANGO IN
TENKASI TALUK
Sl.
No.
Stage of the
Orchard
Cost of
Production
(in Rs.)
Per acre
yield
(in kg.)
Cost per
kilogram
(in Rs.)
1. 6th
20th
year 8,930.94 8740.24 1.02
2. 21st to 35
th year 8,280.00 16,300.70 0.50
3. 36 and above 7,941.18 11,480.96 0.69
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From the Table 4.7, it is evident that even though cost per kilogram of
mango on the whole is less than the cost in Shenkottai taluk the same trend is
noticed i.e., higher cost and low yield in the first stage is followed by slightly
low cost and maximum yield in the second stage. During third stage cost of
production is very low and yield has started declining.
The cost per kilogram was Rs.1.02 in the initial period (6th 20th year)
and it has come down to Rs.0.50 in the second stage and increased to Rs.0.69
in the third stage.
4.3.1 Netted benefit – Cost ratio
The cost and return for the perennial orchard crops over the entire life
span is analysed in different stages since the returns are spread over a long
period. It would be more appropriate of net benefit and cost was taken into
account by giving due weight age to the time value of money.
The netted benefit-cost ratio calculated for initial bearing, peak bearing
and declining stages of mango orchard in Shenkottai and Tenkasi taluks are
presented in Table 4.8 and 4.9.
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TABLE 4.8
NETTED BENEFIT-COST RATIO OF MANGO IN SHENKOTTAI
TALUK (AMOUNT IN RUPEES)
Sl
No
Stage of the
Orchard
Cost of
Production
Gross
Income
Netted Benefit
Cost Ratio
1.. 6 th 20 th year 5,680.45 9,526.73 1.68
2. 21 st to 35 th year 5,365.32 21,701.97 4.04
3. 36 and above 4,940.62 17,986.15 3.64
TABLE 4.9
NETTED BENEFIT-COST RATIO OF MANGO IN TENKASI TALUK
(AMOUNT IN RUPEES)
Sl.
No.
Stage of the
Orchard
Cost of
Production
Gross
Income
Netted Benefit
Cost Ratio
1. 6 th 20 th year 4,465.47 7,453.00 1.67
2. 21 st to 35 th year 4,140.00 13,603.75 3.29
3. 36 and above 3,970.59 9,571.75 2.41
In Shenkottai taluk, the netted benefit – cost ratio is the lowest in the
initial bearing stage and highest in the peak bearing stage. The netted benefit
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cost ratio was 1.68 in the first stage, 4.04 during the second stage and 3.64
during the third or declining stage.
In Tenkasi taluk, the netted benefit-cost ratio is less than in Shenkottai
taluk. Orchards in the age group of 6 to 20 shows netted benefit-cost ratio is
1.67 and for orchards in the age group 21 to 35 to the netted benefit-cost ratio
was 3.29 and to orchards above the age group 36 it was 2.41.
4.4 PRODUCTION PROBLEMS
4.4.1 Several problems make mango cultivation uncertain. Of these, the
major obstacles in mango production are given below:
(i) Incidence of Pests and Diseases
Mango is subject to a number of diseases during its development, right
from plants in the nursery with the fruits in storage or transit. When some of
these diseases assumed to be a virulent form these may be even a complete
crop failure. Among the various pests and diseases, the following are the most
important ones in the study area.
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Pests
(a) Mango Stem Borer
It attacks the main trunk and the branches resulting tin their complete
drying. The borer is the fruit of a large, shout, long corn beetle. External
symptoms of attack are not always clear. It takes place either at ground level or
at the roots. The attacked trunk of the branches becomes hollow and breaks
very easily.
(b) Mango Hopper
This pest was prevalent in the mango flowering season, when it
multiplied in large numbers and proved devastating to the crop. Due to
recurrent annual damage by the orchards, some orchards fail altogether to
blossom.
(c) Mites
Among non-insect, pests, mites were of importance. They cause damage
not only to growing trees but also at seedling stages.
Diseases
a) Anthracnose of mango is prevalent in the study area. The tender shoots
and foliage were readily affected brown or dark circular or irregular
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spots were formed on the leaves. Consequently, normal development
was prevented and they became crinkled.
b) Powdery mildew has been yet another common disease of mango. The
affected flowers or fruit drop prematurely reducing the crop
considerable or preventing the fruits set.
c) Bangalora variety was found to be more susceptible to black stem
disease.
(ii) Irregular Bearing
The mango tree is known to be an erratic bearer. Normally it crops
heavily in one year and stays sterile in the following year. In the study area,
almost all the orchardists raised mainly two varieties of mango namely,
Bangalora and Neelum. These two varieties are the most famous of the regular
annual bearers. In the study region, it is reported, that there are only an erratic
crop production and no rhythmic bearing tendency.
(iii) High velocity of Wind during Fruiting
Prevalence of strong winds especially at the onset of flowering would
result in the reduction of quantum of fruits. Similarly, strong winds at the early
stage of fruiting would also reduce the yield considerably.
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(iv) Fruit crop
The fruit drop is another most important obstacle in mango production.
It could be observed in the study area that the most of the mango fruits drop in
very early stages i.e., occurred in the first three weeks of April after which it
was very little. The causes of fruit drop are climatic factors such as high
temperature, heavy wind etc., and disturbed water relations, lack of nutrition
and diseases and pests.
(v) Needs Heavy Investment
The mango orchards are mostly established in dry lands and hence
depended upon rainfall. The initial investment cost was high for the
establishment of mango orchards. Those farmers who cannot afford to meet the
initial expenditure heavily relied on money lenders and contractors.
Sometimes, orchards will be leased but to the contractors for getting credit and
the price offered by them is also very low.
4.4.2 Problems of Production of Mango
The mango cultivators identified five major problems of mango
production and they were ranked by using Garret’s scoring technique. The
results of Garret’s scoring and ranking are presented in Table 4.10.
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TABLE 4.10
PRODUCTION PROBLEMS IN MANGO CULTIVATION
Sl.
No.
Factors Shenkottai Tenkasi
Mean Score Rank Mean Score Rank
1. Needs heavy
investment
53.48 I 47.16 II
2. Pest and disease 47.47 II 58.36 I
3. Climate Factors 32.30 III 38.16 III
4. Fruit drop 29.62 IV 31.48 IV
5. Irregular bearing 15.30 V 28.91 V
A perusal of the table shows that the orchardists encountered with five
problems for production of mango. In Shenkottai taluk, the most important
problems in the production of mango were heavy investments, pest and disease
and climatic factors which were ranked as first, second and third respectively.
In Tenkasi Taluk, it was clear from the analysis that the most important factor
which severely affected mango production was the pest and disease, needs
heavy investment and climate factors which were ranked 1st, 2
nd and 3
rd places.
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An overall glance of this chapter is given below:
The varieties of mango viz., Banganapalli, Neelum, Bangalore and
Sendhura are mainly cultivated by the farmers in the selected taluks namely,
Shenkottai and Tenkasi which are situated at Tirunelveli district and neither of
them exclusively but in the same orchard. Hence, there were no separate cost
estimates derived for the different varieties; costs were worked out of the
mango crop as such. But in the case of yield per tree and yield per acre has
been calculated on the basis of information collected from the questionnaire.
Then the pooled gross income was used for further analysis.
As a perennial crop, cost of production of mango has been classified into
direct and indirect costs. Direct cost included the operation and maintenance
cost and indirect cost included the annual share of establishment cost, interest
on fixed capital, interest on working capital and depreciation.
The taluk wise average establishment cost per acre worked out to
Rs.22,328 and Rs.19,532 in Shenkottai and Tenkasi respectively. The costs
incurred on human labour, bullock labour and the interest on land value and
land tax were substantial and they shared 83.08 per cent of the total
establishment cost in Shenkottai and 82.38 per cent in Tenkasi. Among these
152
three, the share alone of interest on land value and land tax was 54.42 per cent
in Shenkottai and 67.32 per cent in Tenkasi.
In the case of human labour, cost incurred was Rs.3,400 in Shenkottai
and Rs.1140 in Tenkasi and constituted 15.22 per cent and 5.84 per cent of the
total establishment cost respectively. The cost of human labour is higher in
Shenkottai compared to Tenkasi the variation in human cost between two
taluks was due to the reason that more men and women are used for irrigation
purposes at Shenkottai compared to Tenkasi because in Shenkottai proper
water is given for young plant up to 6 months. Further, the prevailing wage
rates for men and women are higher in Shenkottai compared to Tenkasi. The
percentage share of cost of fertilizer and manures in the total establishment
cost was 2.69 per cent and 2.05 per cent in Shenkottai and Tenkasi
respectively.
The average net cost of establishment of a mango orchard per acre was
Rs.20,778 in Shenkottai and Rs.18,082 in Tenkasi. Here, the income from
intercrop in the two taluks was almost the same. The life time of mango crop
was assessed as 50 years according to various literatures and local enquires and
this period was adopted for working out the annual share of establishment cost
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while calculating the cost of cultivation. The annual share of establishment
cost in the total cost of production was Rs.415.56 in Shenkottai taluk and
Rs.361.64 in Tenkasi taluk.
Regarding the operation and maintenance cost, the average operation
and maintenance cost for mango amounted to Rs.3,675 in Shenkottai and
Rs.2,770 in Tenkasi. The operation costs, which included human labour,
bullock labour, plant protection, watch and ward and land tax accounted for a
large share of 57.14 per cent and 50.36 per cent in Shenkottai and Tenkasi
respectively. The amount spent on plant protection was higher in both
Shenkottai and Tenkasi compared to other operational costs. The maintenance
costs constituted 42.86 per cent and 49.64 per cent of total operation and
maintenance cost in Shenkottai and Tenkasi respectively.
The average total cost of cultivation amounted to Rs.10,677.56 in
Shenkottai and Rs.82,385.64 in Tenkasi. Of this, 65 to 70 per cent was
incurred on direct cost and worked out to Rs.7,350 in Shenkottai and Rs.5,540
in Tenkasi. Next to direct cost, interest on fixed capital amounted for nearly 14
to 17 per cent of the total cost. The interest on working capital was worked out
to Rs.882 in Shenkottai and Rs.664 in Tenkasi.
154
The return per acre from mango orchard in Shenkottai taluk was
Rs.31,724.90 whereas in Tenkasi, it was Rs.19849. The net return was worked
out to Rs.21,049.34 in Shenkottai and it was Rs.11,462.56 in Tenkasi. Both
gross income and net return are higher in Shenkottai compared to Tenkasi
because of the following reasons:
(i) Higher yield in Shenkottai due to more number of well bearing
stage trees compared to Tenkasi.
(ii) Special intensive care of mango orchard taking as far as certain
cultivation practice such as watering the trees at an
