Journal of Experimental Agriculture International

Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L.) is an important pulse crop in India and holds considerable significance in Maharashtra because of its contribution to farm income, nutritional security and sustainable agricultural production. The profitability of pigeonpea cultivation, however, depends largely on the level and composition of cultivation costs, productivity and returns obtained by farmers. The present study was undertaken to examine the cost of cultivation and profitability of sole pigeonpea cultivation in Amravati district of Maharashtra during the agricultural year 2025–26. Primary data were collected through personal interviews with 120 sole pigeonpea farmers selected from five tehsils and ten villages. The selected farmers were classified into small, medium and large farm-size groups to assess differences in cost structure and economic performance. The cost of cultivation was estimated using standard cost concepts, namely Cost A₁, A₂, B₁, B₂, C₁, C₂ and C₃.

The study revealed that the overall Cost A₁ was Rs. 41,630.39 per hectare, whereas the comprehensive Cost C₃ amounted to Rs. 74,092.68 per hectare. The average main-product yield was 13.25 q/ha, with a by-product yield of 4.42 q/ha. The overall gross return from sole pigeonpea cultivation was Rs. 1,01,535.39 per hectare, and the net return over Cost C₃ was Rs. 27,442.71 per hectare. The overall cost of production was Rs. 5,485.09 per quintal. The input-output ratio remained above unity across all cost concepts, ranging from 2.44 at Cost A₁/A₂ to 1.37 at Cost C₃, indicating the economic viability of pigeonpea cultivation in the study area. Among the farm-size groups, large farmers recorded a comparatively lower cost of production per quintal and a higher input-output ratio at Cost C₃, indicating relatively better economic performance.

The findings suggest that sole pigeonpea cultivation is profitable in the study area; however, efficient management of expenditure on labour, machinery, seed and fertiliser is essential for further improvement in farm profitability. Appropriate extension support, timely availability of quality inputs and improved resource-use practices can contribute to reducing avoidable production costs and enhancing the economic returns from pigeonpea cultivation.