Cost of Cultivation and Constraints in Jute Cultivation in Cooch Behar District of West Bengal

Jute is one of the most important commercial crops in India. West Bengal ranks first in jute production among the major producing states. The present study tried to estimate the cost and return of jute farming and to identify the constraints in the production of jute in the Cooch Behar district of West Bengal. A sample of 80 farmers was surveyed, and the per ha cost of cultivation and net returns were found to be `113053.29 and 36192.02, respectively. Major constraints identified were loss of produce due to climatic uncertainties, water shortage during sowing and retting, and weed problems. The study stressed the need for interventions to address water shortage at crucial stages of the crop.