Seed Production in Cowpea: An Economic Viability Study
Keywords:
Cowpea seed, Kerala, Resource use efficiency, Benefit cost ratio, ConstraintsAbstract
The present study is focused on the viability of cowpea seed production in Palakkad district of Kerala. Registered seed farmers in VFPCK were selected purposively for the study. The average cost of cultivation for cowpea seed production for Vellayani Jyothika variety was high compared to Anaswara variety. Benefit Cost ratio was highest for Vellayani Jyothika variety (2.58) compared to Anaswara. Cobb-Douglas production function revealed that the labour contributed significantly towards the increase in yield. The quantity of plant protection chemicals indicated excess utilization. The factors affecting availability of quality seed were pests and disease attacks and costs of production of different cowpea varieties. High cost of input seed and high wages were the major constraints faced by the cowpea farmers.
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