Resource Use Efficiency in Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) Cultivation: Evidence from Kangra District, Himachal Pradesh, India

Abstract

Background: Efficient utilization of production resources in Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) cultivation is essential for enhancing productivity, profitability, and sustainable livelihood opportunities for farmers in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. Aims: To analyse the input–output relationship and resource use efficiency in Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) cultivation in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. Study Design: Cross-sectional farm-level study based on primary survey data. Place and Duration of Study: Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh during the agricultural year 2023–24. Methodology: Primary data were collected from 150 Tulsi growers selected through a multistage stratified random sampling technique. The Cobb–Douglas production function was employed to estimate the contribution of major production inputs to output. Marginal Value Product (MVP) and Marginal Factor Cost (MFC) analysis was used to assess resource use efficiency. Results: Irrigation emerged as the only statistically significant determinant of Tulsi output with an elasticity coefficient of 0.935. Labour, land, fertilizer, and capital showed non-significant effects on production. Resource use efficiency analysis revealed overutilization of labour (0.42), land (-0.60), and fertilizer (-0.81), while irrigation (8.52) and capital (1.42) were underutilized. The sum of production elasticities (0.982) indicated decreasing returns to scale. Conclusion: Efficient allocation of irrigation and capital resources can substantially improve productivity and profitability in Tulsi cultivation. Strengthening extension services and promoting scientific input management may enhance resource use efficiency among growers.