Declining Area under Rabi sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) in Karnataka, India: Key Determinants and Comparative Economic Analysis

Abstract

Rabi sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) is an important cereal and millet crop in Karnataka, contributing to food and nutritional security, particularly in the semi-arid regions of the state. However, the area under rabi sorghum cultivation has been declining. The present study was undertaken to identify the factors responsible for this decline and to compare the economics of rabi sorghum with those of major competing crops. The study was conducted in Vijayapura and Kalaburagi districts, which had the highest area under rabi sorghum. A multistage random sampling technique was used to select 120 farmers from major rabi sorghum-growing areas. Primary data were collected through personal interviews using a pre-tested schedule. Garrett’s ranking technique was used to rank the reasons for the decline, while descriptive statistical tools were employed to estimate and compare costs and returns. The results revealed that lower profitability relative to competing crops was the most important socio-economic reason for shifting away from rabi sorghum, with a Garrett score of 72.43. Among production-related reasons, the lack of high-yielding varieties emerged as the major constraint (72.82), whereas price fluctuations or seasonal volatility were the most critical marketing reason (79.45). The comparative economic analysis indicated that rabi sorghum generated lower gross returns (₹22,475 per acre), net returns (₹4,691 per acre), and returns per rupee of expenditure (1.26) than Bengalgram (1.35) and redgram (1.63). Therefore, improving productivity through high-yielding varieties and strengthening procurement mechanisms is essential for sustaining rabi sorghum cultivation in Karnataka.