R. Gopinath

M S Swaminathan Research Foundation
Chennai

R. Vimal

M S Swaminathan Research Foundation
Chennai

N. Amaravathi

M S Swaminathan Research Foundation
Chennai

Abstract

This paper examines the costs and return involved in floriculture, in two villages of Vedaranyam block of Tamil Nadu, during 2014-2015. The analysis pertains to 44 women who took up floriculture to supplement their main employment activity as salt pan workers or collectors of non timber forest produce (NTFP). Nerium and jasmine are the two flower crops that are considered for the purposes of this study. The paper uses primary data collected on a daily basis from women in both villages. The analysis indicate that total profits earned per acre per annum (2014-15) from the cultivation of nerium and jasmine in Aadivasi colony and Kovilankollai villages are Rs. 126048 and Rs. 102131 respectively. Accordingly, the breakeven points vary across the two villages. Significant inter-personal variation is observed with respect to production and profit from floriculture. Most importantly, floriculture intervention, promoted as a supplementary income generation activity for women groups would be fruitful only if area assigned per woman member is increased.

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