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.