Hello Kisan Tool Kits

Wheat Cultivation Cost Calculator 

Not just another farm management idea —this is India’s first-of-its-kind DIY cost decoder for wheat farming. 

Designed for farmers, agri-advisors, students & agri-entrepreneurs. This toolkit breaks down your full season cost, step by step, rupee by rupee from plough to post-harvest.

It's practical, transparent, and based on real rates, practical logic, and zero guesswork. We have also given options for modern and high tech practices, inputs, and methods to choose from. 

Let’s decode your field’s economics, your kheti budget will never be the same again!
Wheat Cultivation Cost Calculator
🌱 1. PRE-SOWING & LAND PREPARATION
Sets the physical and biological foundation for the crop. Without proper land prep, even good seeds underperform.
Planning, Preparation, Organizing the Land for Cultivation with Multiple Options
Includes: Land inspection/supervision , Irrigation to soften soil, Ploughing and harrowing, Manure/compost sourcing and application, Land leveling
Labor time (in man-days or hours) o Machinery hire rates per hour o Quantity of inputs per acre (e.g., manure in kgs) o Medium-size tractor used o Local wage rates o Single round of major activities (unless otherwise noted)
SNO Consideration for Cost/s Standard Cost/s Actual - Proposed Units - Numbers Total
1.1 Manual Inspections & Supervision of the Farm Land and Operations by Self INR 500 NOTIONAL COST
Manual Inspections & Supervision of the Farm Land and Operations by Self:1. What: Time spent by farmer/owner for checking land status and coordinating work. 2. Quantity Estimation: Typically 1–2 visits of 2–3 hours each per acre before operations start. 3. Cost Components: Travel, stationery, and time value of self. 4. Rate Basis: Travel/local mobility + informal documentation cost. HERE ALLOCATED INR 500.00 PER ACRE AS NOTIONAL COST.
1.2 Soil Testing & Analysis: (TECH OPTION) INR 300 PER SAMPLE
Modern Tools, Technology & Methods to replace / substantiate Inspections & Supervision of the Farm Land & Operations.:Using GPS-enabled soil sampling to collect precise samples for detailed lab analysis of nutrient levels, pH, and organic matter. This data informs precise fertilizer recommendations. HERE INR 500.00 PER SAMPLE TESTING IS INCLUDED.
1.3 Manure/Compost Sourcing & Transport (REGULAR FARMING PRACTICE) 800 KILOGRAM @ 2 PER LKILOGRAM
Manure/Compost Sourcing & Transport:1. What: Organic manure (e.g., FYM, Vermi-Compost) purchase or collection. 2. Quantity Estimation: ~2–4 tons per acre depending on crop & soil. 3. Cost Components: Material cost + loading/unloading + transport. 4. Rate Basis: ₹1,000–₹5000/acre based on manure type and source. HERE WE ARE TAKING 1200 KILOGRAM OF ORGANIC COMPOST @ INR 3.00 PER KILOGRAM
1.4 Manure/Compost Placement by Hired Labour INR 800 PER SPREAD
Placement Manure/Compost by Hired Labour:1. What: Spreading manure across field manually. 2. Quantity Estimation: 1–2 workers/acre; 1-day job. 3. Cost Components: Labor charges only. 4. Rate Basis: ₹500–₹1,200/acre (depends on area and layout method). HERE WE ARE TAKING 2 HOUR TRACTOR TIME @ 150 PER HOUR AND 1 LABOUR FULL DAY @ 500 PER MAN DAY
1.5 Watering the Land (By Sprinklers / RAIN GUN)) by Hired (Own) Labour INR 900 PER IRRIGATION
Watering the Land (By Sprinklers / RAIN GUN) by Hired (Own) Labour:1. What: Initial moistening to soften soil before ploughing. 2. Quantity Estimation: 1 round / acre, 1 laborers for 6-8 hours. 3. Cost Components: Labor wages, water sourcing 8 HOURS @ 10 HP PUMP, pipes, and sprinkler fittings. 4. Rate Basis: ₹300–₹600/day/laborer + ₹500–₹1,000 ENERGY + ₹1,000–₹1,500 if sprinkler rented. HERE INR 300 FOR ELECTRICITY AND 500 FOR LABOUR IS INCLUDED
1.6 Ploughing (Primary Tillage) – Tractor by Custom Hire INR 1000 PER PLAUGHING
Ploughing (Primary Tillage) – Tractor by Custom Hire:1. What: Deep turning of soil to aerate and prepare land. 2. Quantity Estimation: 1 pass/acre, duration ~1.5–2 hours. 3. Cost Components: Tractor + fuel + driver + monitoring. 4. Rate Basis: ₹1,200–₹1,800/acre depending on soil type & tractor model. HERE WE HAVE INCLUDED INR 1000 PER PLOUGHING
Total Costs
Total Per Unit cost
Note:
 
🌱 2. SOWING & GERMINATION PHASE
Precision in sowing impacts germination uniformity, plant density, and ultimate yield potential.
Seed Variety, Quality, Treatment and Sowing for Smart Farming
o Seed selection and purchase o Seed treatment (fungicides/inoculants) o Sowing labor or mechanized sowing o Initial irrigation for germination
o Seed cost per kg × recommended kg/acre o Treatment cost per kg o Sowing cost per hour/ acre (manual or machine) o Irrigation -Local Water Availability & unit cost per hour or per kilolitre o Single sowing pass, favorable weather conditions
SNO Consideration for Cost/s Standard Cost/s Actual - Proposed Units - Numbers Total
2.1 Regular Seed Variety Selection / Smart and Climate Resilient Varieties / Fortified Varieties (CHOICE OPTION) 90 KG SEED & INR 35 PER KG
Seed Variety Selection - Regular / Smart and Climate Resilient Varieties / Fortified Varieties :Seed Variety Selection - Smart and Climate Resilient Varieties. Fortified Varieties HERE WE HAVE TAKEN 50 KILOGRAM SEED @ INR 40.00 PER KILOGRAM
2.2 Seed Sourcing & Transport INR 300 NOTIONAL COST
Seed Sourcing & Transport:1.What: Procurement of certified or traditional seeds. 2. Quantity Estimation: 4–15 kg per acre depending on crop. 3. Cost Components: Seed cost, transport, minor loss/spoilage. 4. Rate Basis: ₹30–₹200/kg (crop dependent) + ₹100–₹300 for transport.
2.3 NITROGEN FERTILIZER -Urea Urea Costs
NITROGEN FERTILIZER Urea :NITROGEN FERTILIZER applied as Urea. Typically it ranges between 40-60 Kilogram Per Acre @ 5.40 Per kg
2.4 DAP Fertilizer DAP Costs
DAP Fertilizer :DAP Fertilizer- Typically 40-70 Kilogram DAP is recommended Selling @ INR 27.00 Per Kilogram
2.5 Other Chemical Inputs Including Micronutrients INR 300 Per Acre Lum-Sum
Other Chemical Inputs Including Micronutrients :Other Chemical Inputs Including Micronutrients ; Depending on deficiency reported from soil test result. Lumsum @ 300 per Acre is budgeted
2.6 Chemical Fertilizers by Seed Drill Tractor Hire time and Labour
CHEMICAL FERTILIZER Placement By Seed Drill:CHEMICAL FERTILIZER PLACEMENT By Seed Drill - One pass (More Popular for precision Placement) Tractor Hire 4 Hours @ 150 per hour and One Labor full day @500 per day. HERE WE HAVE TAKEN 800 PER OPERATION
2.7 Sowing by Seed Drill (Custom Hire) TRACTOR & LABOUR COSTS
Sowing by Seed Drill (Custom Hire):1. What: Mechanized sowing using tractor-driven drills. 2. Quantity Estimation: 1 round/acre. 3. Cost Components: Tractor + drill + operator. 4. Rate Basis: ₹1,200–₹1,800/acre Tractor Hire 4 Hours @ 150 per hour and One Labor full day @500 per day. HERE WE HAVE TAKEN 800 PER OPERATION
2.8 Pre-Emergence Irrigation Electricity & labour Costs
Pre-Emergence Irrigation:1. What: Initial light irrigation to trigger germination. 2. Quantity Estimation: 1 irrigation cycle. 3. Cost Components: Water source, pump cost, fuel/electricity. 4. Rate Basis: ₹500–₹1,000/acre HERE INR 300 FOR ELECTRICITY AND 500 FOR LABOUR IS INCLUDED
2.9 Germination Monitoring INR 300 - Notional
Germination Monitoring :1. What: Early-stage crop inspection to confirm sprouting. 2. Quantity Estimation: 1–2 visits per acre. 3. Cost Components: Owner's time, travel. 4. Rate Basis: Minimal direct cost.
Total Costs
Total Per Unit cost
Note:
 
🌿 3. NURSERY / EARLY CROP CARE
Young plants are most vulnerable during this stage; survival rates are influenced by weed control, pest management, and micronutrient support.
Critical Growth Stage With Many New Age Tech Options
o Weeding (manual or chemical) o Pest/disease check-ups & light sprays o Top dressing of basal fertilizers o Light irrigation or moisture management
o Weeding cost per hour / acre (manual) or spray input cost per litre o Fertilizer quantity (kg/acre) × unit price o Sprayer labor/hourly charge o One major weeding round o Minimum two field checkups o Soil already has some organic base
SNO Consideration for Cost/s Standard Cost/s Actual - Proposed Units - Numbers Total
3.1 Weeding by Hand Held Power Tools / Mini Tractors Material & Labour Costs
Weeding by Hand Held Power Tools / Chemical Weedicide :Weeding by Hand Held Power Tools - Chemical Weedicide About INR 250 Per Acre Material costs and @250 per Half Day Labour (BY HAND HELD MACHINE ALSO SIMILAR COST of INR 500 PER ACRE )
3.2 Supplementary Fertilizer - Nutrient Management - Traditional Methods INR 500 Budgeted
Supplementary Chemical Fertilizer - Nutrient Management - Traditional Methods :Through Visual Inspection through regular field visits Budgeting INR 500 per acre one time . Any Combination depending on Observation.
3.3 Supplementary Fertilizer Application (Manual) Labour Costs
Fertilizer Application (Manual) Solids by dribbling and Liquid by Spray Equipment :.What: Spreading fertilizer by hand. 2. Quantity Estimation: 1–2 laborers/acre. 3. Cost Components: Labor only. 4. Rate Basis: ₹500–₹800/acre Half Day @ 250 Per Application
3.4 Conventional Methods Pest & Disease Incidence Assessment INR 500 Budgeted
Conventional Methods For Pest & Disease Incidence Assessment :What: Preventive pest/disease control using manual or power sprayers. 2. Quantity Estimation: 1 round per acre. 3. Cost Components: Chemicals/organic spray, labor, equipment. 4. Rate Basis: ₹800–₹2,000/acre Here budgeted INR 500 per Acre
3.5 Combination of Integrated Pest Management (IPM)/ Organic / Biological Control Agents Material & Labour Costs
Combination of Integrated Pest Management (IPM)/ Organic / Biological Control Agents :A holistic approach that combines biological control, cultural practices, and targeted pesticide application based on pest scouting and economic thresholds. Introducing beneficial insects or microorganisms to control pests naturally.Budgeted 500 per acre
3.6 Regular Irrigation Cycle (4- 5 Times) (SAME METHOD AS EARLIER) @ 900 per irrigation & 4 Irrigation 2 Irrigation Cycle & INR 900 Per irrigation
Irrigation Cycle (1–5 Times) (SAME METHOD AS EARLIER):1. What: Routine watering. 2. Quantity Estimation: 1–2 cycles over 2–3 weeks. 3. Cost Components: Fuel/electricity, water charge. 4. Rate Basis: ₹700–₹1,500/acre per round
Total Costs
Total Per Unit cost
Note:
 
🌾 4. VEGETATIVE TO FLOWERING
High nutrient demand phase—plant growth surges and canopy expands. Any stress here directly hits yields.
Quality Output Considerations and Efficiency Management
o Nitrogen fertilizer application (Urea) o Foliar sprays or micronutrient application o Irrigation rounds o Field surveillance & light pest control
o Urea (kg/acre) × market rate o Spray ingredients + equipment use o Number of irrigations o Supervision time and cost (if outsourced) o Standard nitrogen dose of ~40–50 kg/acre o At least one foliar nutrient spray
SNO Consideration for Cost/s Standard Cost/s Actual - Proposed Units - Numbers Total
4.1 Repeat Nutrient Spray (Foliar) (REPEAT SAME METHOD) INR 500 Budgeted
Repeat - Nutrient Spray (Foliar) (REPEAT SAME METHOD):1. What: Micronutrient sprays to boost growth. 2. Quantity Estimation: 1–2 rounds. 3. Cost Components: Liquid inputs + sprayer + labor. 4. Rate Basis: ₹500–₹1,200/acre
4.2 Repeat Irrigation Cycle & Miscellaneous Operations / Activities 2 Numbers @ 900 Per Cycle INR 900 & 2 Cycles
Repeat Irrigation Cycle Miscellaneous Operations / Activities :Repeat Irrigation Cycle Any Missing / Additional Activity
4.3 Repeat / Emergency - Second Pest/Disease Spray (REPEAT SAME METHOD) INR 500 Budgeted
Repeat / Emergency Second Pest/Disease Spray (REPEAT SAME METHOD):1 What: Pest control closer to flowering. 2. Quantity Estimation: 1 round/acre 3. Cost Components: Inputs, sprayer, labor 4. Rate Basis: ₹800–₹1,800
Total Costs
Total Per Unit cost
Note:
 
🌻 5. FLOWERING TO MATURITY PHASE
A delicate phase: flowering, grain setting, and grain filling occur. Stress here leads to shriveled grains or crop failure.
Monitoring & Maintaining Growth
o Final dose of nutrients o Disease/pest protection sprays o Irrigation (especially pre-harvest moisture control) o Lodging prevention efforts (if any)
o Per-acre dose of late-stage fertilizers o Chemical/pesticide use in ml/acre o Miscellaneous risk-prevention efforts o No unseasonal rainfall o One nutrient spray and one final irrigation o Crops not affected by high winds
SNO Consideration for Cost/s Standard Cost/s Actual - Proposed Units - Numbers Total
5.1 Final Crop Inspection INR 300 Budgeted
Final Crop Inspection:1. What: Assessing crop health and harvest readiness. 2. Quantity Estimation: 1–2 visits by owner or expert. 3. Cost Components: Travel + minor tools. 4. Rate Basis: ₹200–₹500
5.2 Sample Testing & Collection INR 250 Budgeted
Sample Collection and Testing :Quality Parameters and Testing to confirm.
Total Costs
Total Per Unit cost
Note:
 
🌾 6. HARVEST & POST-HARVEST PHASE
This is the yield realization phase. A good harvest can still be compromised by delays, bad handling, or poor threshing.
Final Stages of Harvest-Post Harvest and Modern Marketing Options
o Harvest labor or combine harvester hire o Threshing (manual or mechanical) o Bagging, cleaning, drying o Storage or local transport to mandi o Self-monitoring or commission paid
o Combine hire rate per acre OR manual labor per man-day o Bags per quintal and their cost o Transport cost per km or per ton o Cleaning/drying cost per quintal o Yield in range of 15–22 quintals per acre o Transport within 5–15 km radius
SNO Consideration for Cost/s Standard Cost/s Actual - Proposed Units - Numbers Total
6.1 Harvesting by Combine / Modern Tractor Attachment Custom Hire Charge
Harvesting by Combine / Modern Tractor Attachment Tool :1. What: Machine harvest for cereals. 2. Quantity Estimation: 1 hour/acre 3. Cost Components: Combine / Tractor rent, fuel, operator 4. Rate Basis: ₹2,500–₹3,500/acre
6.2 Threshing & Winnowing by Tractor Attached Thresher Custom Hire
Threshing & Winnowing by Tractor Attached Thresher :1. What: Grain separation from husk/straw. 2. Quantity Estimation: 1–2 hours/acre 3. Cost Components: Thresher rent, labor 4. Rate Basis: ₹1,000–₹2,000/acre
6.3 Final Bagging in 50 Kgs Bags BAG COSTS
Final Bagging in 50 Kgs Bags :1. What: Packing grains in sacks for storage/sale 2. Quantity Estimation: 15-20 bags/acre 3. Cost Components: Bags + labor 4. Rate Basis: ₹400–₹800/acre HERE WE ARE CALCULATING FOR 30 NUMBERS OF 50 KILOGRAM BAGS
6.4 Farm Transport & Storage Transport Costs
Farm Transport & Storage:From Farm to Storage Warehouse - Loading, Transport an Unloading @ INR 10.00 Per Bag
6.5 By Product Wheat Husk Handling, Transport and Storage Transport
By Product Wheat Chaff and Husk Handling & Transport to warehouse :By Product - Wheat Crop Waste Collection & Transport . About 500 Kgs Per Acre @ INR 1.00 Per kg handling cost
6.6 Local Transport to Mandi / Collection Centre Transport
Local Transport to Mandi / Collection Centre:1. What: First mile connectivity for sale 2. Quantity Estimation: 1 tractor trolley per 1–2 acres 3. Cost Components: Trolley rent, loading labor 4. Rate Basis: ₹800–₹1,500 Here @ INR 1.00 Per kg (1500 Kilogram Per Acre)
6.7 Post-Harvest Field Cleanup Labour Costs
Post-Harvest Field Cleanup:1. What: Removal of stubble, plastic, debris 2. Quantity Estimation: 2 laborers 3. Cost Components: Labor + basic tools 4. Rate Basis: ₹300–₹600
Total Costs
Total Per Unit cost
Note:
 
7. Management & Capital Costs Allocation
SNO Consideration for Cost/s Standard Cost/s Actual - Proposed Units - Numbers Total
7.1 Land Lease / Rental Costs
Land Lease / Rental Costs:
7.2 Equipments and Capital Assets - Repair, Maintenance and Depreciation
Equipments and Capital Assets - Repair, Maintenance and Depreciation:
7.3 Interest On Working Capital
Interest On Working Capital :
7.4 Operational Overheads, Insurance, Taxes Levies etc
Operational Overheads, Insurance, Taxes Levies etc :
7.5 Family Professional Management Inputs
Family Professional Management Inputs :
7.6 Profit Margin
Profit Margin :
6.7 Opportunity Cost for Natural Resource Depletion
Opportunity Cost for Natural Resource Depletion:
Total Costs
Total Per Unit cost
Note:

Summary
Cost Breakdown
Cost Category Total Unit/Number Cost/Unit
🌱 1. PRE-SOWING & LAND PREPARATION 5000.00 1.00 5000
🌱 2. SOWING & GERMINATION PHASE 7800.00 1.00 7800
🌿 3. NURSERY / EARLY CROP CARE 3850.00 1.00 3850
🌾 4. VEGETATIVE TO FLOWERING 2600.00 1.00 2600
🌻 5. FLOWERING TO MATURITY PHASE 550.00 1.00 550
🌾 6. HARVEST & POST-HARVEST PHASE 7700.00 1.00 7700
7. Management & Capital Costs Allocation 0.00 1.00 0
Total 27500.00 1.00 27,500

Simple to use, surprisingly insightful—this tool is made for the real world, not just classrooms. 

Use your own local data, tweak the rates, and see the magic. 

Whether you're planning ahead or reviewing costs, give it a try. 

NOTE: For many cost components we have given more than one option so check all items to avoid any duplicity and wrong calculation...

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