Economic feasibility of tobacco cultivation in the Karnataka Light Soil Region: A socio-economic and demographic analysis

Abstract

Tobacco cultivation plays a vital role in the KLS region. However, its economic feasibility and socio-economic and demographic conditions remain unexplored.  This study evaluates the economic feasibility of tobacco cultivation and its relationship with socio-economic and demographic factors and also assesses the major costs involved in tobacco cultivation in the KLS region. To achieve the objectives of the present study, primary data was collected through a semi-structured questionnaire from the licensed tobacco growers of the region. In total, 221 responses were collected by using a purposive sampling method. By using SPSS, frequencies, percentages, mean, and standard deviation are computed. To test the null hypothesis, one-sample t-tests were used. The important results of the study reflect that KLS region farmers strongly agree with the high economic feasibility perception towards tobacco cultivation. This study provides evidence on the importance of tobacco cultivation in the KLS region; it informs policy formulation by highlighting socio-economic and demographic factors