Optimizing Returns in Mulberry Cultivation: A Resource use Efficiency Study in Chikkaballapur District of Karnataka, India

The present study was conducted to analyze resource use efficiency in mulberry cultivation using data from cultivators of the Chikkaballapur district of Karnataka collected during 2021-22 from mulberry growing farmers. Twenty mulberry growers were selected using a multistage random sampling technique from each of the two chosen taluks leading in mulberry cultivation in Chikkaballapur district. The resource use efficiency analysis was carried out using production function analysis by comparing the marginal value productivity from each of the resources with the marginal input cost from each of the resources (profitability ratio). Results indicated scope to increase the use of fertilizer, FYM, and irrigation as additional expenditure on these resources would result in additional return. The summation of the production coefficients indicated increasing returns to scale and scope to increase the use of resources and optimize returns from mulberry cultivation from the current level.