Objectives: The present study is to examine the cropping pattern and socio-economic status of the maize farmers of three districtsGuntur, Karimnagar and Mahabubnagarin Andhra Pradeshand Telangana.
Methods/Statistical analysis: Three districts were selected with a sample size of 30 per district and a total of 90 farmers were randomly selected. For assessing the existing situation, data was collected through primary as well as secondary source of information. The agricultural marketing and market related infrastructure and investment made was collected from secondary data. The details on households, cropping pattern, share of existing seed and pesticide companies and other sources were collected through a field survey conducted in 2011-12.Data were analyzed using SPSS software and Garrett scoring technique.
Findings: The cropping pattern of paddy-maize with 100% alone dominated in Guntur where as in Karimnagar and Mahabubnagar cropping pattern dominated by Paddy-Maize (57%) and Maize-Maize (37%).The average illiterates are 41.1 % in all three districts. Major proportion of the farmers found in the studied area are illiterates. Most of the farmers are not following recommendations after the soil testing, this may result in sub-optimal utilization of plant nutrients. All the seed companies are working vigorously in all the surveyed districts. Among the companies, Pioneer Hybrid India (PHI) is the major contributor and has large share in all the three district markets, followed by Kaveri seeds. As all the practices are almost common in maize crop in all the locations surveyed, there is a less difference in the expense on different activities. Major cost is incurred on labour (Rs. 5,588) ; due to availability of alternate works labour wages has been increased. Next to labour, major expenditure is for fertilizers. The strategy of the agricultural development should particularly focus on small and marginal farmers.
Application/Improvements: Agriculture in the above study area is very well responsive to the changes in numerous social, economic, scientific and market dynamics. There is a need to follow situational marketing approach and subsidies from public sectors which are encouraging for cost optimization.