Castor_vs_Cotton_Maharashtra_Presentation.pptx

A brief comparision between two main crops of the Maharashtra State.

1. Castor vs Cotton: A Smarter Crop for Maharashtra Farmers A Comparative Insight for Promoting Castor Seeds in Cotton-Growing Regions

2. Context: Challenges Faced by 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 Works for 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-Yield Castor 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 for Wider 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 is the 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