摘要 : This study (i) examines the average and attainable levels of input use and crop yield in the semiarid saline area of Haryana, India; (ii) derives optimal production plans for the resource-poor and progressive farmers in the area; ... 展开 This study (i) examines the average and attainable levels of input use and crop yield in the semiarid saline area of Haryana, India; (ii) derives optimal production plans for the resource-poor and progressive farmers in the area; and (iii) estimates the income and employment opportunities under various production plans at varying levels of input use and technology adoption. Data were collected through personal interviews with a sample of 60 farmers from Faridabad district during 1996-97 and 1997-98. Results indicate that a wide gap in average and attainable levels of use of crucial farm inputs (especially farm protection, irrigation, and fertilizer) has resulted in a substantial gap between the average and attainable crop yields. The largest yield gap was in pearl millet and mustard. There is limited option to diversify crop production in the area and hence, reallocation of the resources seems to be the only option to increase farm earnings. Linear programming analysis indicated that a substantial increase in pearl millet and mustard acreage should be made along with drastic reduction in the area under wheat and sorghum cultivation. Under optimal plans, use of machine power and human labour could be increased by 20-33%, while farm income could be increased by 25-122%.. 收起