Sustainable Groundnut Cultivation: A Comparative Study of Resource Use Efficiency in Tribal and Non-tribal Farming Communities in Jashpur, Chhattisgarh

Abstract

Groundnut holds immense significance for India’s economy and nutrition, particularly for tribal communities. However, lower groundnut productivity in tribal areas compared to non-tribal regions is attributed to resource constraints, inadequate agricultural techniques, and limited technical knowledge. This study investigates resource utilization efficiency in groundnut cultivation within tribal and non-tribal households in Chhattisgarh’s Jashpur district. The goal is to compare the effectiveness of land, labour, capital, and input utilization between these two groups. Data from 257 farm households, comprising 146 tribal and 111 non-tribal farms, were collected through surveys. The study analyzed input quantities, output, and costs associated with groundnut cultivation, utilizing production function and marginal value product (MVP) analyses. Results reveal significant disparities in resource efficiency between tribal and non-tribal farming households. Non-tribal areas exhibit more efficient use of all inputs except human labour, along with higher MVPs for these inputs. Production function analysis indicates positive relationships between seed, machine use, and plant protection with the outcome variable in both tribal and non-tribal areas. However, the significance of these relationships varies. The study’s models explain a moderate to high proportion of outcome variable variance, with R-squared values of 0.72 for tribal and 0.79 for non-tribal areas. MVP and marginal fixed cost (MFC) comparisons for seed, machine use, and plant protection across tribal and non-tribal settings reveal overutilization of these resources, with the former exhibiting higher values. However, human labour and fertilizer data remain inconclusive due to low usage or data limitations. Findings underscore the need to enhance resource efficiency in both contexts, suggesting optimal allocation to bolster agricultural returns. The study’s implications for policy and practice are significant. Access to resources such as land, credit, and inputs must be improved for tribal farmers, accompanied by enhanced agricultural techniques and technical know-how. Recommendations include promoting improved seed varieties, integrated pest management, machinery usage training, and the formation of farmer groups for knowledge dissemination and agricultural best practices adoption. In conclusion, bridging resource use efficiency gaps could enhance groundnut cultivation sustainability among tribal and non-tribal communities in the region.