Role of Castor (Ricinus communis L.) in the livelihood sustenance of Tribal farmers through Tribal Sub Plan Frontline Demonstration in Salem district of Tamil Nadu

Abstract

In India, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh are the major castor producing states which contribute 84 percent of castor production. In Tamil Nadu, the districts namely Salem, Namakkal, Dharmapuri, Permbalur are important in their contribution to the increase in area and production of castor Nadu and its mainly grown castor as border crop and an intercrop under rainfed condition. An Identification of high yielding castor hybrids, development of production technology and dissemination of improved technology through FLDs resulted in increase of castor area, production and productivity of castor in Tamil Nadu. Cultivation of castor with improved technologies gave higher net returns ranged from Rs.50425 to 63290/ha, and a mean value of Rs.55998.33/ha as compared to local check with recorded Rs.18700 to 20185/ha and mean value of Rs.19173.33/ha. The improved production technology registered an additional net returns ranging from Rs.31725 to 43105/ha with a mean of Rs.36825/ha over local check. The average benefit cost ratio of the demonstration plot was 3.84, varying from 3.65 to 4.16 and that of local check was 2.24, varying from 2.20 to 2.30. It can be concluded that the front line demonstration through Tribal Sub Plan scheme with an integrated crop management techniques proved more productive and remunerative than that grown under local practices.