Economic Analysis of Banana Production in District Tando Allahyar, Sindh, Pakistan

Abstract

Banana is a popular fruit of all classes of society because it has round the year availability, affordability, taste, and nutrition. The current study focused on studying and investigating banana cultivation in different zones of District Tando Allahyar, Sindh. Data were gathered from 120 banana farm growers of different zones of Tando Allahyar tehsil. Microsoft Office Excel was used to analyze the data to get the desired statistical analysis. Results of the survey indicated that 55% growers were illiterate and 25% were primary educated, and the majority of them had 21–30 years of experience in cultivation. Based on the economic analysis, the average cost per acre was determined to be Rs. 294,300, which includes Rs. 65,000 for marketing expenses, Rs. 41,500 for labor, Rs. 92,800 for capital inputs, and Rs. 95,000 for fixed costs. On average, a grower would produce 460 mounds per acre, with each mound fetching Rs. 1,400 on the wholesale market. This led to a net income of Rs. 349,700 per acre and a gross income of Rs. 644,000 per acre.  This gives an input–output ratio of 01:2.19 and a cost benefit ratio of 01:1.19. The results clearly indicate that good management practices have increased yield as well as profitability. Banana cultivation also provides better employment opportunities in rural areas. It is recommended that further education on proper use of inputs and adoption of new practices could enhance productivity as well as livelihood of the growers.