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Ph.D.
(Social Sciences & Humanities)
ECONOMICS OF CASTOR CULTIVATION IN GUJARAT

Ph.D. Scholar : Nathani Reenaben Jeram
Research Supervisor : Dr. K. M. Chudasama

Regi. No.: 16146071002
Abstract :
India ranks first in terms of castor area under cultivation, production and productivity.
India dominates the international castor oil trade, seed and some of its derivatives and
earns substantial foreign exchange through the export. Amongst all the states of India,
Gujarat is the leading castor growing state and has been pioneering in development of
hybrid castor that released the first castor hybrid in 1968-69 for commercial cultivation.
Gujarat shares about more than 62% of the area under castor cultivation and 78% of the
total castor production of the country. The present research aims to explore: Which
factors affect the cultivation of castor in Gujarat? What is the approximate cost of
cultivation of castor in Gujarat? How are the returns from castor cultivation in Gujarat?

Two-stage design has been applied in research. Exploratory study in the first stage is
undertaken to identify the factors affecting cultivation of castor by analyzing secondary
data and literature review, while in the second stage, Descriptive study is undertaken for
analyzing the cost of cultivation of castor. A micro level survey has been undertaken in
the castor growing selected (Banaskantha, Mahesana and Kutch) districts of Gujarat to
determine the cost of cultivation and returns from cultivation of castor in Gujarat.

It has been noticed that there is a statistically significant difference in cost of cultivation
between / across the selected districts (Banaskantha, Kutch and Mahesana). It has been
observed that there is a statistically significant difference in cost of cultivation between /
across the categories of farmers (Marginal, Small, Medium and Large). It has been
perceived that there is a statistically significant difference in returns from castor
cultivation between / across the selected districts (Banaskantha, Kutch and Mahesana).
It has been found that there is a statistically significant difference in returns from castor
cultivation between / across the categories of farmers (Marginal, Small, Medium and
Large).

It has been observed that the productivity of castor turned out to be the highest for Kutch
district, followed by Mahesana district and Banaskantha district; while the productivity of
castor turned out to be the highest for Medium farmers, followed by Small farmers, Large
farmers and Marginal farmers. It is revealed that return on investment for castor
cultivation is viable and profitable in all districts considering the Cost C1, but not much

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