Resource-use Efficiency of Paddy Cultivation in Peechi Command Area of Thrissur District of Kerala: An Economic Analysis

This study undertaken in the Peechi Command Area of Thrissur district in the Kerala state, has examined the resource productivity and allocative as well as the technical efficiency of paddy production. The study has used the primary data collected from 71 rice farmers of the command area using the stratified random sampling. The cost of cultivation of paddy in the command area has been found as Rs 21603/ha, resulting in a BC ratio of 1.34. The elasticity coefficients for chemical fertilizers, farmyard manure and human labour have been observed significant and positive. The allocative efficiency has indicated that marginal return per one rupee increase under these heads would be Rs 2.83, Rs 1.57 and Rs 1.17, respectively. The average technical efficiency of the paddy farmers in the command area has been found as 66.8 per cent. Education of the farmer and supplementary irrigation provided during the water-stress days have been identified as the factors which could enhance the technical efficiency. The study has called for an equitable distribution of canal water and enhanced extension services for resource management in the area.