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Castor_vs_Cotton_Maharashtra_Presentation.pptx
- 1. Castor vs Cotton:A Smarter Crop for Maharashtra Farmers A Comparative Insight for Promoting Castor Seeds in Cotton-Growing Regions
- 2. Context: Challenges Facedby Cotton Farmers in Maharashtra • - High input costs (BT seeds, pesticides, fertilizers) • - Water scarcity in dry zones • - Frequent pest attacks (bollworm, sucking pests) • - Unpredictable prices & weak MSP implementation • - Labour shortage during harvest • ➡️Need for a low-risk, high-return alternative
- 3. Castor vs Cotton:Quick Comparison Input Cost: Cotton: High | Castor: Low → ✅ Castor Irrigation Need: Cotton: High | Castor: Very Low → ✅ Castor Pest Incidence: Cotton: High | Castor: Low → ✅ Castor Harvest Duration: Cotton: 5–6 months | Castor: 7–8 months → Comparable ⚖️ Market Price: Cotton: Volatile | Castor: Stable → ✅ Castor Profitability: Cotton: Medium | Castor: High → ✅ Castor
- 4. Per Acre Economics:Castor vs Cotton • ✅ Seed Cost: ₹600–₹1,000 (Castor) vs ₹1,200– ₹2,500 (Cotton) • ✅ Fertilizers: ₹2,000–₹3,000 vs ₹5,000–₹8,000 • ✅ Pesticides: ₹500–₹1,000 vs ₹3,000–₹6,000 • ✅ Total Cost: ₹8,000–₹11,000 vs ₹16,000– ₹24,000 • ✅ Net Profit: ₹20,000–₹35,000 vs ₹10,000– ₹12,000
- 5. Why Castor Worksfor Maharashtra Farmers • - Grows well in dry zones (Marathwada, Vidarbha) • - Compatible with intercropping • - Minimal pest management required • - Export-driven stable market (Castor oil) • - Suitable for marginal land and smallholders
- 6. Our Offer: High-YieldCastor Seeds • - Hybrid seeds with proven performance • - Technical and sowing guidance • - Market linkage support • - Local dealer availability • 🎯 Shift from Cotton Stress to Castor Success
- 7. Policy Recommendations forWider Adoption • 1. Promote through KVKs and agriculture extension • 2. Provide seed and irrigation subsidies • 3. Include in Dryland Farming Mission • 4. Establish local Castor oil processing units • 5. Conduct awareness drives via demo plots & melas
- 8. Conclusion: Castor isthe Smart Crop • ✅ High profitability with lower investment • ✅ Better climate adaptability • ✅ Strong export demand • ✅ Ideal for Maharashtra's dryland farmers • 🌱 Let’s empower farmers with Castor cultivation