Dynamics of Fenugreek Production: An Elixir for Dryland Agriculture

Abstract

This study estimated the growth in the area, forecast of seed demand and economics of the fenugreek enterprise by using primary and secondary data. The results indicated that India had registered a growth of 5.26 per cent per annum in the fenugreek area. In contrast, Karnataka has shown a declining trend of 7.56 per cent per annum in the fenugreek area. Following this trend, the incremental and total estimated area in India would be 6.87 and 137.31 thousand ha, respectively, which demands fenugreek seed to the tune of 3433 MT during 2022-23. An estimated Cost C3 for fenugreek production was ?95,434 per ha. In comparison, the gross and net income were to the tune of ?1,80,137 and 84,703 per ha, respectively, with a benefit-cost ratio of 1.89. The lack of availability of high-yielding varieties and the high wage rate were significant constraints in fenugreek cultivation.