Evaluation of Cost, Returns, and Constraints in Ridge Gourd Cultivation: A Friedman Test Analysis in Hardoi District, Uttar Pradesh

Abstract

The study reveals that ridge gourd production costs vary significantly, with human labour being the most significant cost. Medium-sized farms have higher yields, gross incomes, and net profits, while marginal farms have the lowest. However, marginal farms are more efficient in input utilization. Ridge gourd cultivation is profitable across all farm sizes, with an average net income of Rs. 78,244 per hectare. However, growers face constraints such as unstable market value, high input costs, pest and disease management, market fluctuations, transportation issues, high seed costs, and lack of knowledge and training.