Entrepreneurial Behaviour and Economics of Jute Seed Production: A Case Study from Andhra Pradesh, India

Abstract

The study examined entrepreneurial behaviour, production economics and constraints among jute seed producers in Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh, a non-traditional jute seed-growing region. Primary data were collected from 120 producers across 25 villages in five mandals using purposive random sampling. Entrepreneurial behaviour was assessed through a structured, pre-tested interview schedule using a five-point Likert scale, while standard farm-management cost concepts and Garrett ranking were applied to evaluate profitability and production constraints. Quality control recorded the highest entrepreneurial mean score (3.84), followed by customer orientation (3.67), market orientation (3.66), and networking and collaboration (3.59). Risk-taking behaviour (3.09) and technology adoption (3.07) were comparatively weaker. Average jute seed yield was 19.77 quintals per hectare, and gross returns were ₹150,236.80 per hectare. The benefit–cost ratio was 1.63 over Cost A1 and 1.09 over Cost C3, indicating a positive but narrow margin when comprehensive costs were considered. Water scarcity and irrigation limitations ranked as the most severe constraint, followed by climate variability and drought, pest pressure and lack of resilient varieties, and frequent crop failures. The findings indicate that stronger market-facing competencies coexist with constraints in finance, technology adoption and production risk. Strengthening irrigation, institutional support, entrepreneurship development and access to appropriate technologies may support the economic sustainability of jute seed enterprises in the study area.