Stratified Cabbage Production: A Case Study of Cost-benefits in Bishnupur District of Manipur, India
Bhavani Yengkokpam *
Department of Agricultural Economics, South Asian Institute of Rural Development and Agricultural Management, Langjing Achouba, Imphal West, 79113, India.
Elangbam Yaiphaleima Chanu
Department of Agricultural Economics, South Asian Institute of Rural Development and Agricultural Management, Langjing Achouba, Imphal West, 79113, India.
Changamayum Girija Devi
Department of Agricultural Statistics, South Asian Institute of Rural Development and Agricultural Management, Langjing Achouba, Imphal West, 79113, India.
Laitonjam Jalita Devi
Department of Agricultural Economics, South Asian Institute of Rural Development and Agricultural Management, Langjing Achouba, Imphal West, 79113, India.
Nandeshori Salam
Department of Agricultural Economics, South Asian Institute of Rural Development and Agricultural Management, Langjing Achouba, Imphal West, 79113, India.
Monika Aheibam
Department of Agricultural Economics, South Asian Institute of Rural Development and Agricultural Management, Langjing Achouba, Imphal West, 79113, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Cabbage is an important vegetable crop in Bishnupur district of Manipur, but farm-size-specific information on its cultivation costs and returns is limited. This study assessed the costs and returns of cabbage cultivation across marginal, small, and semi-medium farms in the district. A stratified two-stage sampling design with equal allocation was used. All three blocks of Bishnupur district were covered; three villages were selected from each block, and ten cabbage farmers were randomly selected from each village, giving a total sample of 90 farmers. Primary data for the 2024–2025 agricultural year were collected through an interview schedule and analysed using tabular analysis, farm budgeting, and standard cost concepts. The overall total cost of cultivation was ₹133,183.14 per hectare. Small farms recorded the highest total cost, followed by marginal and semi-medium farms. Overall gross farm income was ₹367,710.80 per hectare, while overall net income over Cost C2 was ₹227,323.20 per hectare. Gross farm income and net income were highest on semi-medium farms, followed by small and marginal farms. The overall benefit–cost ratio was 2.76 and increased from 2.64 on marginal farms to 3.04 on semi-medium farms. These findings indicate positive economic returns across all farm-size categories, with comparatively stronger performance on semi-medium farms. Improved technologies, appropriate varieties, efficient input use, and better management practices may help farmers reduce costs and improve production outcomes.
Keywords: Cabbage cultivation, cost of cultivation, farm-size categories, cost concepts, gross farm income, net farm income, benefit–cost ratio, resource-use efficiency.