Resources Use Efficiency and Resources Utilization Efficiency of Major Crops in North Gujarat, India

Abstract

A study was examined to resource use efficiency and resources utilization efficiency of major crops in North Gujarat. Utilizing both canal and tube-well irrigation systems. Cobb-Douglas production function and MVP/MFC ratio was used for calculation of resources use efficiency and resources utilization efficiency, respectively. Primary data were collected from 160 respondents with the pretested interview schedule during 2023-24. The research revealed that, nitrogen, phosphorus and machinery as pivotal resources influencing yield outcomes. In wheat production, nitrogen and phosphorus had significant positive effects on yield in canal-irrigated fields, while over-irrigation negatively impacted tube-well-irrigated yields. Cotton analysis highlighted nitrogen’s positive yield impact under tube-well irrigation in Mehsana, while excessive machinery uses reduced productivity across both irrigation types. For castor, nitrogen and phosphorus boosted yield in canal-irrigated systems, although machinery use adversely affected output, particularly in Patan. Labor was found to positively influence castor yield under tube-well irrigation, underscoring the need for balanced mechanization. Higher R² values in Mehsana and Patan showed a robust model fit. Overall, the resources utilization efficiency revealed that, major input such as nitrogen, phosphorus and machinery was underutilization in selected crops and irrigation and labour was found as over-utilization. Therefore, the research suggests that increasing the use of underutilized inputs and reducing the use of overutilized resources could improve production, farm management and cost-effectiveness