Economics of Cultivation of Paddy under Soil Salinity in Tiruchirappalli District of Cauvery Delta Zone of Tamil Nadu

A study on economics and major constraints in paddy cultivation in Tiruchirappalli district was conducted during 2011-12. The study covered two villages of Musiri block and data on constraints and cost-return aspects of paddy cultivation were collected from 80 farmers. The present study was conducted to assess the economic impact of soil salinity on paddy production. The crop yields in degraded soils were significantly lower over normal soils. The reduction in yield of paddy over normal soils was very high due to degradation and thereby resulting in negative returns. The operating cost of cultivation of one hectare of paddy worked out to Rs. 48228.00 and Rs. 46282.88 in affected and non-affected firms. The cost of reclamation of affected firm accounted for Rs. 3353.33 of total cost. The total cost of cultivation for one hectare of paddy was worked out to Rs. 62831.95 and Rs. 67670.90, respectively in affected and non-affected farms. The yield varied considerably and it was 3964.50 kg and 4590.88 kg per hectare, respectively in these firms. Labour shortage and pests and disease incidence were the major constraints faced by the farmers in paddy production.