Pre Harvest Losses as Perceived by the Wheat Growers in Madhya Pradesh– An Economic Analysis

The study analyzed the physical and financial losses caused by weeds, pest and diseases in cultivation of wheat in Madhya Pradesh. The relevant primary data has been collected from 160 wheat growers of two major wheat producing districts (Hoshangabad & Vidisha) of Madhya Pradesh during the year 2012 -13. The study revealed that the majority of wheat growers (79.47%) were able to distinguish the pest and disease attack by quantitative assessment. The frequency of major pest like termite, aphids and rats were found to be every year (45%), once in a two years (100%) and once in a three years (43.45%) respectively. It was also observed that the extent of pre harvest losses over actual and normal production of wheat were directly proportional to size of farms. Among different plant protection chemicals an average wheat grower invested more on weedicide (Rs 740 per acre) as compared to fungicide (Rs.126 per acre). The private input dealer was found to be the most important source of seeking advice on control of pest and diseases followed by Agriculture University and TV/Radios/Newspaper.