Year: 2026 | Month: March | Volume 71 | Issue 1
Yield Gap, Resource-Use Efficiency, and Economic Viability of Cotton Cultivation in Telangana: A Comparative Analysis of Progressive and Non-Progressive Farmers
D. Srinivasa Reddy
P. Gayathri
A. Suman
B. Ram Charan Teja
T.M. Dinesh
K. Suhasini
B. Mohan Uday Raj
Sekhar De
Debashis Sarkar and Md. Hasrat Ali
DOI:10.46852/0424-2513.1.2026.13
Abstract:
Cotton cultivation plays a vital role in India’s agricultural economy, yet significant productivity disparities persist across farmer categories. This study examines yield gaps, resource-use efficiency, and economic viability of cotton farming in Telangana using primary data collected during 2022-23 from 105 farmers, including 90 non-progressive and 15 progressive farmers, along with data from research stations. The study employs descriptive statistics, cost-return analysis, Cobb–Douglas production function, yield gap estimation, and MVP-MFC efficiency analysis. The results reveal a substantial yield gap of 2.28 quintals per acre between progressive (9.52 q/acre) and non-progressive farmers (7.24 q/acre). Progressive farmers incurred higher cultivation costs (` 62,606.53/acre) but achieved significantly higher net returns (` 15,142.17/acre) and benefit-cost ratio (1.24) compared to non-progressive farmers (` 3,784.60/acre; B:C ratio 1.06). Regression results indicate that fertilizers and irrigation are the most critical determinants of yield, while efficiency analysis suggests underutilization of key inputs, particularly irrigation. The study highlights that bridging yield gaps through improved input use, irrigation expansion, and extension services can significantly enhance productivity and farm profitability. The findings provide important policy insights for promoting sustainable cotton cultivation in Telangana.
Highlights
- Progressive farmers achieved 31% higher yield and 4× higher net returns than non-progressive farmers.
- Resource-use efficiency analysis shows underutilization of irrigation and fertilizers, especially among non-progressive farmers.
- Regression results confirm fertilizer and irrigation as key drivers of cotton productivity.
- Yield Gap-II indicates significant managerial inefficiencies at farm level.
- Improving input access, irrigation, and extension services can substantially enhance farm income.
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