Socio-Economic Viability of Baler For Baling Paddy Straw: A Case Study

Abstract

The present study was conducted in south western district Mansa of Punjab during the year 2014-15. The main objective of the study was to study the socio-economic viability of the paddy straw baler technology. Farmers’ opinion regarding baler technology was studied using interview schedules and economics was studied from case study of successful entrepreneur practicing baler technology for income generation. It was found that farmers were ready to adopt this technology due their concerns regarding removal of loose straw to prepare field for sowing of next season crop and their sensitivity towards environmental pollution from open field burning. The economic analysis revealed that total fixed cost for baler technology is Rs. 15.04 lac and total variable cost was Rs.4.17 lac. Total straw collection during 45 days period was 973 tons. The benefit cost ratio of this technology was 1.77 which indicated its economic viability.

Predstavljena studija je provedena u jugozapadnoj oblasti Mansa u Punjabu tokom 2014-15 godine. Glavni cilj studije bilo je proučavanje socioekonomske održivosti tehnologije baliranja slame pirinča. Istraživana su mišljenja farmera o tehnologiji baliranja kroz upitnike, a ekonomičnost je ocenjivana iz studije slučaja uspešnog preduzimača koji uslužno primenjuje tehnologiju baliranja. Zaključeno je da su farmeri bili spremni da primene ovu tehnologiju umesto uklanjanja slame u rasutom stanju radi pripreme parcela za setvu sledećeg sezonskog useva i spaljivanja slame na parceli. Ekonomska analiza je otkrila da su ukupni fiksni troškovi baliranja Rs. 15.04 lac i ukupni varijabilni troškovi Rs.4.17 lac. Ukupna količina pokupljene slame tokom 45 dana iznosila je 973 tone. Analiza odnosa troškova ove tehnologije pokazala je vrednost 1.77 što pokazuje ekonomsku održivost.