Barley is one of the world’s oldest and most extensively cultivated cereal crops and has been a staple food crop for centuries. Barley is important in producing beer, whiskey, and other alcoholic beverages. The demand for Barley has increased substantially in recent years, particularly for malting purposes. It has provided farmers with an exceptional opportunity to initiate barley cultivation projects.
Barley is a hardy crop that can grow in various soil types and is simple to cultivate. It can also be grown during the winter, making it an attractive option for farmers to cultivate other summer commodities. In India, the cost of cultivating one acre of Barley, including land preparation, seed, fertilizer, labor, and other expenses, is between Rs. 20,000 and Rs.
The average yield for barley cultivation is between 25 and 30 quintals per acre, and the average market price per quintal is between Rs. 1500 and 1800. Barley cultivation can be lucrative if the farmer can accomplish high yields and produce high-quality Barley. In addition, Barley’s demand is anticipated to increase in the future years, making it a lucrative option for farmers seeking to diversify their crops and boost their income.
1 Acre Barley Cultivation Project Report in India
Market and Demand for Barley Cultivation
India is the fifth-largest barley producer globally, accounting for 3.6% of global output. India’s main barley-growing states are Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, and Punjab. In India, barley cultivation occupies approximately 2.3 million hectares of land and produces an average of 1.6-1.8 million tonnes annually.
The animal feed industry drives the demand for Barley in India, which accounts for 80-85% of total barley consumption. The remaining 15-20% is used as malt in breweries and distilleries for human consumption. Barley is also a key ingredient in manufacturing breakfast cereals, polenta, and bread. The demand for barley-based food products is projected to increase due to consumers’ rising health consciousness.
In recent years, India’s barley production has increased due to adopting modern agricultural practices and using high-yielding varieties. The production of Barley in India will increase from 1.49 million tonnes in 2016-17 to 1.78 million tonnes in 2020-21, according to data from the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare. Additionally, the area devoted to barley cultivation has increased from 2,2 million hectares in 2016-17 to 2,3 million hectares in 2020-21.
Best High Yield Variety for Barley Cultivation
- Pusa Pragati: This two-row barley variety can grow 45 quintals per hectare and resist leaf rust and powdery mildew.
- K-508: The Indian Agricultural Research Institute developed this two-rowed barley type with a 45-quintal-per-hectare yield potential.
- RD 2552: This drought- and heat-tolerant six-rowed barley variety can give up to 47 quintals per hectare.
- DWRB 114: This two-rowed barley variety from the Directorate of Wheat Research yields up to 50 quintals per acre and resists stem rust and spot blotch.
- Pusa Gaurav: This two-rowed barley variety can give 48 quintals per hectare and is good for malting.
- VL Gehun 910: This six-rowed barley type can produce 55 quintals per hectare and resists leaf rust and scald.
- Karan 17: This two-rowed barley variety from the Indian Agricultural Research Institute can grow up to 48 quintals per hectare and resists scald and powdery mildew.
- BH 393: This two-row barley variety can grow 45 quintals per hectare and resists stem and leaf rust.
- DWRB 89: This two-rowed barley type from the Directorate of Wheat Research yields up to 50 quintals per hectare and resists stem rust and spot blotch.
- RD 2592: This six-rowed barley variety can give 52 quintals per hectare and resists loose and covered smut.
These disease-resistant, high-yielding varieties were developed through extensive study and breeding. They can be grown in various Indian agro-climatic situations and yield well.
In case you missed it: 1 Acre Groundnut/Peanut Cultivation Project Report in India: Production Cost and Profit
Cost of Cultivation for 1-Acre Barley Cultivation in India
- Land preparation costs include plowing, leveling, and seedbed preparation. The cost for these activities is Rs. 2000–2200/acre.
- Seeds and Sowing: Seeds and sowing cost Rs. 2000–2500/acre.
- Fertilizers: The cost of fertilizers depends on the type of fertilizer used and the quantity required for 1-acre Barley cultivation. The cost for fertilizers is Rs. 3500–4500/acre.
- Pesticides: The cost of pesticides depends on the type of pesticides used and the quantity required for 1-acre Barley cultivation. The cost for pesticides is Rs. 2500–3000/acre.
- Plant Protection: The cost of plant protection includes weedicides/herbicides, which control weeds in the Barley crop. The cost for weedicides/herbicidides is Rs. 1500-1800/acre.
- Irrigation: The cost of irrigation depends on the source of water used for irrigation. The cost is Rs. 1500/acre.
- Labor cost: The labor cost is Rs. 2500/acre
- Harvesting: The cost of harvesting includes harvesting charges and threshing charges. The cost for harvesting is Rs. 2000-2600/acre, and the cost for threshing is Rs. 1200-1400/acre.
Based on the given data, the cost of cultivation for 1-acre Barley cultivation in India is between Rs. 17,700 and Rs. 20,600. It is important to note that these costs may vary based on the region, seed variety, and other inputs used.
Total Returns from 1 Acre Barley Cultivation
Depending on land, variety, cultural practices, and weather, Barley yields 12–25 quintals per acre. High-yield varieties boost production. India’s Barley averages Rs.2823.00/Quintal. The lowest price is 1800 INR/Quintal, and the highest is Rs. 3152.00/quart. With an average yield of 18 quintals per acre and an average price of Rs. 2823.00 per quintal, the total returns from one acre of Barley cultivation in India would be:
- Total returns = Yield x Price
- Total returns = 18 quintals x Rs. 2823.00/quintal
- Total returns = Rs. 50,814.00. However, yield per acre, market price, and input costs can affect profits.
Net Profit from 1-Acre Barley Cultivation
- Total returns = Rs. 50,814.00
- Cost of cultivation = Rs. 17,700–20,600
- Assuming a cost of cultivation of Rs. 19,000,
- Net profit from 1-acre Barley cultivation in India would be:
- Net profit = Total returns – Cost of cultivation
- Net profit = Rs. 50,814.00 – Rs. 19,000
- Net profit = Rs. 31,814.00
Therefore, the net profit from 1-acre Barley cultivation in India would be Rs. 32,000.00. Yield, market price, and input costs affect the net profit margin.
In case you missed it: 1 Acre Sugarcane Cultivation Project Report in India: Production Cost and Profit
Conclusion
Barley cultivation in India costs between Rs. 17,700 and Rs. 20,600, while the total returns are around Rs. 50,814. This gives a net profit of approximately Rs. 30,214, subject to yield and market price fluctuations.
- Feed Your Flock for Less: Top 10 Tips to Save on Chicken Feed
- Ultimate Guide to Ossabaw Island Hog: Breeding, Raising, Diet, and Care
- Hatching Answers: The Top 10 Reasons Your Chickens Aren’t Laying Eggs
- Eggs and Economics: Breaking Down the Cost of Raising Backyard Chickens
- Defend Your Greens: Proven Methods to Keep Iguanas Out of Your Garden
- Ultimate Guide to Cinnamon Queen Chicken: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners
- Ultimate Guide to California Tan Chicken: Breeding, Raising, Diet, Egg-Production and Care
- Ultimate Guide to Marsh Daisy Chicken: Breeding, Raising, Diet, and Care
- 10 Types of Chicken Farming Businesses You Can Start for Profits