Analysis of Cost, Return and Profitability of Mustard Cultivation across Different Farm Sizes in Rajasthan, India

Abstract

Background: In Indian agriculture, mustard is one of the most important Rabi (winter) oilseed crops and plays a crucial role in enhancing farmers’ income and ensuring edible oil security. Existing studies on mustard cultivation in Rajasthan largely provide broad or isolated analyses (such as cost or productivity), with limited district-level, micro-level research. Comprehensive studies integrating cost, returns, profitability, marketing efficiency, and production constraints remain scarce.   Aim: The aim of the study is to analyse the cost, returns, and profitability of mustard cultivation in Rajasthan, India. Study Design and Area: A cross-sectional descriptive and analytical study was conducted in Kotputli-Behror district of Rajasthan during the Rabi season, 2023–24. Methodology: Primary data were collected from 90 mustard farmers through an interview schedule. Farmers were classified into small (<2 ha), medium (2–4 ha), and large (>4 ha), with 30 respondents in each category. Standard cost concepts (A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2) were used to estimate costs, while profitability and benefit–cost ratio assessed economic viability. Major cost components included labour, seeds, manures, fertilizers, machinery, irrigation, and fixed costs. Results: Mustard cultivation was found to be input-intensive. The cost of cultivation increased with farm size, with large farms incurring the highest costs due to greater use of labour, machinery, and inputs. However, the cost of production per quintal was lowest on medium farms, indicating better efficiency. Large farms recorded the highest gross income and net returns, followed by medium and small farms. Benefit–cost analysis showed that large farms performed better over lower cost concepts, while medium farms exhibited relatively higher efficiency over comprehensive cost measures. Conclusion: Mustard cultivation is economically viable across all farm sizes. Large farms achieve higher absolute returns, whereas medium farms demonstrated better cost efficiency. Improving resource-use efficiency, access to inputs, and irrigation—especially for small and medium farmers can further enhance productivity and income, highlighting mustard’s strong potential for sustainable agricultural growth.