Comparative Economics of Paddy Seed Production under Public and Private Seed Producing Agencies in Ayodhya District of Uttar Pradesh

Abstract

Seed production plays a crucial role in enhancing agricultural productivity, ensuring food security, and
improving farmers’ income through the availability of quality seeds. The present study was undertaken to
examine and compare the economics of certified paddy seed production under public and private seed
producing agencies in Ayodhya district of Uttar Pradesh. The study was based on primary data collected
during the agricultural year 2024-25 from 60 certified seed grower farmers registered with Uttar Pradesh
Beej Pramanikaran Sansthan. Cost and return analysis were carried out to assess the profitability and
economic efficiency of seed production under both agencies. The findings revealed that the total cost of
cultivation was lower in the public seed producing agency (₹56,252.19 per hectare) than in the private seed
producing agency (₹69,004.25 per hectare). The private agency recorded a slightly higher net seed yield
of 42.64 quintals per hectare compared to 40.94 quintals per hectare in the public agency. Consequently,
gross income was higher in the private agency (₹1,05,808.00 per hectare) than in the public agency
(₹1,02,058.00 per hectare). However, due to substantially higher production costs, the net income earned
by public agency growers (₹45,805.81 per hectare) exceeded that of private agency growers (₹36,803.75
per hectare). The benefit-cost ratio was also higher in the public agency (1.81) than in the private agency
(1.53), indicating better resource-use efficiency and profitability. The study concludes that certified paddy
seed production is a profitable enterprise under both agencies, but public seed producing agencies offer
greater economic viability owing to lower cultivation costs and higher net returns.