International Journal of Horticulture, 2025, Vol.15, No.6, 299-311 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/ijh 300 when planting 60% Maize only caused more yield reduction of potato due to exhaustive crop and shade during growth (Farooq et al., 1995). In Rasuwa district, farmers faced challenges in optimizing crop production practices due to a lack of comprehensive economic analysis. However, limited data on profitability, cost differences, yield, and market dynamics hindered farmers' ability to make informed decisions. So, the study was conducted to assess the yield variation of solo and mixed potato cropping, to analyze the resource efficiency and income generation in Rasuwa district, and to assess the socioeconomic traits of farmers. The study aimed to provide clear insights into the profitability, cost implications, and yield differences between the two practices, enabling farmers to make informed decisions. The study end with two innovations - household-level cost-benefit and regression-based evaluation, and provision of transferable economic evidence for rainfed hill regions. 2 Materials and Methods 2.1 Site selection The research was be conducted in Rasuwa district of Nepal. Its area is 1,544 km2. Its territory ranges from 614 to 7,227 meters above mean sea level. There are 5 rural municipalities in Rasuwa. The specific municipality in which the study will be carried out in Kalika municipality and Gosaikunda municipality. The site was chosen due to its ideal climatic conditions, availability of more farmers, and inclusion in the PMAMP potato zone. 2.2 Preliminary survey The survey research was stared with a preliminary survey to assess the feasibility of the research, gathering details about the demographics and sociocultural aspects of the study area. Survey conducted informal interviews with farmers to gain insight into the potato and maize zone from various angles, helping to build rapport and design the questionnaire effectively. To determine sample, guidance from agriculture officials. 2.3 Sample and sampling techniques To ensure a comprehensive study, this research was focused on potato and maize growers in Kalika and Gosaikunda municipalities. 90 farmers were selected by simple random sampling technique to draw a representative sample from the sampling frame of 900 farmers who were practicing both solo potato and mixed potato with maize cropping system. 2.4 Source of data Primary data were collected through face-face interview schedule, key informant interviews, focus group discussions, field observations, market research, and direct interactions with farmers, traders, and consumers. Secondary data was gathered from various sources like ADS, MoALD, ADO of Nuwakot, annual reports, Central Bureau of Statistics, Nepal Agriculture Research Council, Journal articles, PMAMP, and online resources. 2.5 Data collection techniques A simple random sampling technique selected 90 farmers from a sampling frame of 900 growers practicing both solo potato and mixed potato-maize systems. Primary data were systematically collected via a pre-tested, face-to-face structured household survey for quantitative analysis, supplemented by Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) with stakeholders (e.g., local experts, agriculture officers) to gather comprehensive qualitative context. Secondary data were sourced from national agricultural bodies (e.g., ADS, MoALD, NARC). 2.6 Pretesting of questionnaire Pretesting of questionnaire was performed with 5 farmers from each municipality before actual household survey to identify any potential issues with question clarity, respondent understanding, or survey flow. This process helps to refine the survey instrument before full scale implementation, ensuring data accuracy and reliability. Respondents involved in pretesting were not included in final household survey.
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