Ecology, Environment and Conservation Paper

ECONOMICS OF ORGANIC AND CONVENTIONAL COTTON FARMING SYSTEM IN YAVATMAL DISTRICT, INDIA

P. R. Damre, O. Challa, T.K. Sen and M.V. Venugopalan

Abstract

An investigation was undertaken to compare the economics of cotton grown under organic and conventional farming systems in a cluster of villages in Yavatmal district, Maharashtra. Data were collected from different sites under both farming systems. Results indicated that, per hectare production of organic cotton was 12.33 quintal and conventional cotton was 11.78 quintal. The per hectare total cost of cotton production was Rs.12492.45 and Rs.11292.43 under organic and conventional farming respectively. Per hectare net returns of on organic cotton (Rs.17099.55) as compared to conventional cotton (Rs. 12267.57) were found to be higher in organic farming. Benefit: cost ratio was observed to be higher in organic farming. Hence, organic cotton production was beneficial than conventional cotton production.