Farmers Category-wise Analysis of Costs and Returns in Lentil Cultivation: Evidence from Lalitpur District, Uttar Pradesh

Abstract

Lentil (Lens culinaris) are a fundamental pulse crop with ancient origins and versatile uses. Lentil is mostly eaten as “dal” by converting into split pulse. Lentil is rich in protein (20-30%), dietary fiber, folate, vitamin B1 (thiamine), iron, and essential minerals. Notably, red varieties have lower fiber content (11%) compared to green varieties (31%). Lentil is a nutritionally important pulse crop that contributes to food and nutritional security while helping reduce the demand–supply gap of major pulses such as gram and tur. This study evaluates the cost structure and economic returns associated with lentil cultivation. Data were collected from Lalitpur district, Uttar pradesh, through a multistage sampling design combining purposive and simple random techniques without replacement. This district was selected purposively based on a large area under the selected lentil crop. Primary data were collected via structured interview schedules administered to 100 lentil growers. The secondary data information was compiled from various records at block, tehsil and district offices. Discriptive statistics and tabular analysis were employed to quantify the Cost of Cultivation and economic Returns. The period of enquiry covered the main agricultural season of the year 2023–24, focusing on lentil-growing farmers in the selected area. The period of enquiry covered the main agricultural season of the year 2023–24, focusing on lentil-growing farmers in the selected area. The analysis reveals that the total cost of lentil cultivation is highest on medium sized farms at (Rs. 51791.70) per hectare, compared to lowest cost on marginal farms at (Rs. 24228.00) per hectare. This pattern indicates cost escalation with increasing farm size, reflecting diminishing returns to scale in lentil production under prevailing resource constraints. The policy implications advocate targeted input subsidies for marginal lentil growers, MSP/procurement to ensuring sustainable profitability.