An Empirical Assessment of Inputs and Service Delivery System and Technology Adoption for Pulse Crops in Maharashtra Shah Deepak Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics (Deemed University), Deccan Gymkhana, Pune – 411 004, Maharahstra Online published on 9 October, 2012. Abstract The study has assessed as to how far the implementation of pulses programme of National Food Security Mission (NFSM) has been helpful to the farmers of Maharashtra. The study has also assessed the problems being faced by the farmers in cultivating improved varieties of pulses and has suggested measures to improve the NFSM-pulses programme in the state. A positive impact of NFSM programme has been observed on cultivation of pulse crops in Maharashtra as depicted by more profit in 2008–09 than in 2006–07 and 2007–08, i.e. after the implementation of NFSM programme. The plausible reasons for the rise in profit margins could be rise in yield levels, higher prices for pulses, adoption of improved seed varieties, more area under improved varieties, higher adoption of recommended practices, assistance received under NFSM-pulses programme, viz. improved varieties of seeds like breeder/foundation/certified seeds, assistance in adoption of integrated nutrient management (INM), and integrated pest management (IPM) practices, provision of equipments like seed drills, pumpsets, sprinklers, conoweeder, Knapp-sack sprayers, participation of farmers in training programmes, reasonably assured market, etc. The major focus of this programme being on capacity building, monitoring and planning, it will be highly useful to the farmers. Top Keywords Input delivery, service delivery, National Food Security Mission, pulse crops, Maharashtra. Top |