Comparative Technical Efficiency and Constraints in Seed and Grain Production of Chickpea Variety JAKI-9218 in Amravati District of Maharashtra, India

Abstract

Chickpea is one of the major pulse crop, cultivated in Amravati. Chickpea cultivation in India covered approximately 960.84 thousand hectares, yielding 11.34 million tonnes with an average productivity of 1180 kg/ha. The present study was undertaken to conduct a Comparative Technical Efficiency and Constraints in Seed and Grain Production of Chickpea Variety JAKI-9218 in Amravati District of Maharashtra. The study aimed to identify and analyze the determinants of technical efficiency and to evaluate the major constraints faced by farmers engaged in certified seed and grain production. Amravati district was purposively selected due to its suitability and popularity for cultivating the JAKI-9218 variety. Within the district, two tehsils—Chandur Railway and Morshi—were purposively selected, as they have a larger area under chickpea cultivation. A total of 120 farmers were selected 60 engaged in certified seed production and 60 in grain production. This paper shown the factors affecting of technical efficiency and constraints faced by chickpea producers. Efficiency analysis showed that irrigation, family size, and education significantly influenced seed producers’ performance, while irrigation and landholding were key determinants for grain producers. Garrett Ranking Analysis showed that labour-related problems, especially labour scarcity during peak seasons and high wage rates, were the major constraints in both seed and grain production. Seed producers additionally faced issues like seed plot maintenance, risk of rejection, and limited credit access, while grain producers struggled with poor seed quality and high input costs. Addressing these challenges through improved irrigation, labour support, training, and access to quality inputs can further enhance productivity, profitability, and sustainability in chickpea cultivation.