This study critically explores the dual dimensions of agricultural productivity and Cost-Return integration, focusing on paddy cultivation in the Sepahijala and South Tripura districts of Tripura, India. The region’s agricultural economy remains constrained by marginal and small landholdings, low market access, suboptimal input use, and inadequate irrigation.
Methodologically, the study is grounded in both production economics and agricultural marketing frameworks. Primary data were collected from 370 paddy producing farm households across eight purposively selected villages using a stratified sampling approach, and supplemented with secondary data from official sources. Two multivariate regression models are employed: the first analyses the factors affecting paddy productivity, while the second examines the determinants of modern technology adoption. To assess cost, revenue, and profitability, the study adopts the cost concepts and accounting framework developed by the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP), incorporating measures such as Cost A1, Cost A2, Cost B, cost C. The study offers context-specific policy insights aimed at strengthening credit systems, promoting market infrastructure, and advancing sustainable agricultural practices among smallholders in Northeastern India.