Assessment of Productivity, Profit, and Problems Associated with Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Production in West Nawalparasi, Nepal

Abstract

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), a staple crop in Nepal, has a rich history of cultivation. Despite increasing demand due to population growth and agricultural development efforts, wheat production faces persistent challenges that hinder its expansion and profitability. This research, conducted from February to July 2022 in West Nawalpur district, Nepal, aims to assess the productivity, profitability, and economics, including benefit-cost analysis, of wheat in West Nawalparasi. A total of 100 wheat farmers were selected and the data obtained were analyzed using Microsoft Excel and Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The study reveals a positive gross margin (NRs 1113.09) and a benefit-cost ratio (BCR) of 1.6 per 0.3 hectare, indicating the profitability of wheat cultivation. Notably, most farmers procure agricultural inputs such as seeds and fertilizers from local agro-dealers within Nepal, highlighting a preference for domestic sources over imports from India. For irrigation, more than half of the population relies on pumps that draw from open water sources (59%) and use mechanization equipment such as tractors and combine harvesters for field activities. However, the study reveals the complexity of the challenges faced by wheat farmers. Chief among these are the unavailability of adequate irrigation facilities, untimely and inadequate access to agricultural inputs, disease and pest incidence, lack of training and extension services, and lack of mechanization and skilled labor. These constraints, as highlighted by the farmers, affect both productivity and profitability, highlighting the urgent need for initiatives to reduce production costs and improve wheat production in West Nawalparasi.

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