Analysis of costs and resource productivity in pearl millet production under solar irrigation system in Jaipur, Rajasthan

Pearl millet is an important millet crop in India. It is an important source of energy, protein, vitamins, and minerals for millions of the poorest people. India is also considered to be the one of the centre of origin for pearl millet with many distinct cultivars growing throughout the country. Apart from dietary use it is also used in dairy and poultry, alcohol industry, starch industry, processed food industry and export demand. Rajasthan has the highest area under pearl millet cultivation. Cost analysis suggested that the total cost of pearl millet cultivation was ₹ 30,779.63. Highest contribution in the cost of cultivation was of human labour. Net return including irrigation charges was ₹ 4,347.89 per hectare. Input productivity was analysed using cobb Douglas production function and it was found that human labour was overused whereas inputs like seed and manure etc were underutilised. Although, pearl millet cultivation gave profit but it can be made more profitable by efficient utilisation of underutilised and overused inputs.