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The cost and return analysis of different sizes of broiler farms in the Punjab state has been carried out based on the primary data collected from 140 broiler farmers for the period March 2008 to February 2009 in three districts, viz. Ludhiana, Hoshiarpur and Muktsar. The study has shown that the total fixed investments per bird have been highest on small farms, followed by medium and large farms. The total variable cost per bird has been reported highest on small farms, followed by medium and large farms. The total cost of meat production per bird has been found highest on small broiler farms, followed by medium and large farms. The net returns per bird over the variable costs have been recorded highest on large farms and economies of scale prevail on these farms. The meat-feed price ratio and benefit-cost ratio have been found to increase with increase in farm-size of broiler farms, which indicates better utilization of inputs on large farms. On the basis of net present value, benefit-cost ratio and internal rate of return, investment in broiler farming has been found profitable in all farm-sizes, it being most profitable on large farms, followed by medium and small farms. The small broiler farms have been observed highly sensitive to increase in costs and decrease in net returns. The study has observed that broiler farming is a profitable venture and has a bright future in the Punjab agriculture for improving economic status of the farming community

The study has reported different sources of paddy seed, seed replacement rate of paddy growers, and management of paddy seed by the farmers in two selected districts of Punjab. Amongst different sources of paddy seed, the share of private seed dealers has been found maximum (H” 48 per cent), followed by authorized seed dealer (H” 19 per cent), self-retained (11.5 per cent) and commission agents (H” 11 per cent).The share of other sources like fellow farmers, relatives and friends, PAU, village shopkeeper, state agriculture department, etc. has been found only 1-2 per cent each. The overall seed replacement rate has been found to be about 24 per cent. The farm category-wise analysis has revealed a direct relationship between seed replacement rate and farm size. The seed rate has been found almost equal to the recommended level in the Ludhiana district while in Patiala district, it is much below the recommended value. Amongst determinants of quality of seeds, experience of the farmers has been reported at the first place, followed by advice of fellow farmers, reputation of institute, etc. Regarding linkages, the large farmers have more contacts with different seed agencies. The study has suggested that extension agencies should educate the farmers about the usefulness of quality seeds and their replacement with the seed procured form reliable sources like PAU, PUNSEED, Department of Agriculture, etc.