The study on a case of contract hybrid bitter gourd seed production was conducted in Ranebennur taluk of Haveri district, which is considered to be hub of vegetable seed production not only in the State but also in the country. Primary data were collected from 90 farmers who were into contract with three company's viz., Mahyco, Indo-American Hybrid Seeds and Namdhari Seeds. Necessary data were also collected from the contracting companies. The study reveals that hybrid bitter gourd seed production is a highly labour intensive activity. Women labour contribution is more as compared to the men. The women labour accounted for 78 per cent in case of both Mahyco and Indo-American Hybrid Seeds and 79 per cent in Namdhari Seeds Company for hybrid bitter gourd seed production. The cost incurred for hybrid bitter gourd seed production per acre was found to be Rs. 55,906, Rs. 58,006 and Rs. 54,947 in case of Mahyco, IAHS and Namdhari Seeds Company, respectively. The average net returns realized by the farmers per acre were Rs. 27,769, Rs. 5,144 and Rs. 31,340 in case of Mahyco, IAHS companies, respectively. The reason for low net returns by farmers under IAHS Company was due to low quality seeds followed by heavy rains during production season and powdery mildew disease, resulting in drastic yield reduction. However, the farmers under Mahyco and Namdhari Seeds Company realized better returns because of high quality disease resistant seeds.
