Economic Assessment of Rice in Taluka Tangwani, District Kashmore at Kandhkot

Abstract

The paper evaluates the socioeconomic situation, production, and economic feasibility of the major rice varieties grown in Taluka Tangwani, District Kashmore, Sindh. Structured questionnaires, on-farm observations, and secondary data sources were used to survey 120 rice farmers, randomly selected during the 2024 cropping season. Findings indicate that young and moderately experienced farmers in the region mainly farm rice on rented land. In the variety-wise analysis, GUARD-50 had the highest grain yield (81.36 maunds/acre), but Super King, although yielding lower, had the highest profitability due to a higher market price. The cost analysis also revealed that capital and labour requirements vary significantly, with GUARD-50 the most input-intensive and Super King the least expensive. The profitability measures showed that all varieties were cost-effective, and that Super King, Diamond, and GUARD-50 had the best cost-benefit and input-output ratios. The research concludes that rice production in Tangwani is a very lucrative business, but is constrained by rising input prices, the unavailability of certified seed, poor extension services, and market inefficiencies. The recommendation to maintain and further increase rice productivity and profitability in the region is to strengthen seed systems, improve access to low-cost inputs, expand extension outreach, improve market infrastructure, and encourage practices that are more resilient to climate change.