Economics of Senegalia catechu based Agroforestry Systems of Samba and Kathua Districts in Jammu and Kashmir

The present study examined the economics of agroforestry systems involving Senegalia catechu (khair) and compares its performance with conventional cropping practices in the rainfed areas of Samba and Kathua districts of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), India. A total of 100 khair-growing farmers were randomly selected from lists provided by the forest department, and data on production, management, and marketing were collected through personal interviews using a pre-tested questionnaire. For comparison, 30 farmers practicing conventional farming without trees were also surveyed. The analysis employed standard cost concepts to estimate costs and returns, and the Cobb–Douglas production function to assess resource-use efficiency. Results indicated that the predominant cropping pattern consisted of maize, paddy, and blackgram during the kharif season, and wheat, mustard, and toria (Brassica campestris var. toria) during the rabi season. The average cost of cultivation was 52,979.25 for maize, ₹58,795.21 for paddy, ₹46,367.06 for wheat, ₹41,232.21 for blackgram, and ₹44,787.77 for mustard, with corresponding benefit–cost (B:C) ratios of 1:1.32, 1:1.90, 1:1.07, 1:1.97, 1:2.64, and 1:2.13, respectively. Comparative analysis revealed that although yields were marginally higher under sole cropping, agroforestry systems generated substantially greater net returns, with an overall B:C ratio of 1:6.14 compared to 1:1.88 in non-agroforestry systems. The Cobb–Douglas regression further showed that the cost of S. catechu trees and the quantity of DAP (Diammonium Phosphate) fertilizer were highly significant determinants of gross profit, with the model explaining 78% of the variation in returns . These findings demonstrate that S. catechu-based agroforestry is more profitable and sustainable than conventional cropping alone, providing both short-term agricultural benefits and long-term income from trees in rainfed regions of J&K.