Economics and Marketing of Exotic Vegetables in Tribal District of Lahaul and Spiti Borisagar Dharmik*, Bhadwal Shiwani, Singh Vaishanvi, Lal Harbans1, Kumar Virender1, Singh O.P. Department of Agricultural Economics, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221 005, India 1Department of Agricultural Economics, Extension Education and Rural Sociology, CSK Himachal Pradesh Agricultural University, Palampur-176 061, India *E-mail: dharmik.borisagar@bhu.ac.in
Online Published on 20 February, 2024. Abstract The present study was undertaken to work out economics of exotic vegetables cultivation in Lahaul valley of Lahaul and Spiti district in the state. The study is based on primary data collected through survey method using proper sampling technique during 2019-20. The total cost of cultivation per hectare for exotic vegetables was Rs 215315 and Rs 299183 for lettuce and broccoli, respectively. The net returns over total cost were highest in broccoli (Rs 1825817) followed by lettuce (Rs 565935), yielding output-input ratio of 7.10 and 3.62 which was much higher compared to traditionally grown vegetables of green pea, potato and cauliflower. The regression analysis revealed that area under crop and total labour were the important factors affecting the output of these crops. The crop output was marketed through two distinct channels: channel I -producer-trader-retailer-consumer and channel II -producer-contractor cum trader-retailer-consumer. The greater number of farmers followed channel I, through which about 3145 quintals and 1515 quintals of lettuce and broccoli, respectively was marketed. The adoption of exotic vegetables cultivation resulted in higher returns for the farmers compared to traditionally grown vegetables in the region.The policymakers should devise policies that encourage cultivation of these crops in similar areas to improve the farm income. Top Keywords Exotic vegetables, Cost, Returns, Marketing channels, Lahaul & Spiti. Top |