Economic Analysis of Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) and Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus tereticornis S.) Based Agroforestry System in Chhattisgarh Plain

Abstract

A study was conducted at the Herbal Garden of College of Agriculture, IGKV, Raipur, Chhattisgarh during Kharif season, to assess two production systems-sole turmeric (F1) and turmeric intercropped with eucalyptus (F2)-using eight turmeric varieties: T1– Suranjana, T2 – Selam, T3 – Chhattisgarh Haldi-1, T4 – Chhattisgarh Haldi-2, T5 – Roma, T6ur – Ranga, T7 – NDH-98, and T8 – Sonali. The study compares the economic viability of two turmeric production systems—sole turmeric cultivation (F1) and an intercropping system with eucalyptus and turmeric (F2)—along with eight different turmeric varieties (T1 to T8). Results indicate that while F1 involves a lower cultivation cost of ₹1,70,714 per hectare with a modest benefit-cost (B:C) ratio of 1.50, the F2 system, despite its higher investment of ₹4,70,714 per hectare, delivers a significantly higher net return of ₹12,80,136 and a superior B:C ratio of 3.72, making it a more profitable option for farmers. Additionally, the evaluation of turmeric varieties, all cultivated at a uniform cost of ₹3,20,714 per hectare, highlights substantial differences in economic returns. Chhattisgarh Haldi-2 (T4) emerged as the most profitable variety with the highest gross return (₹10,56,871), net return (₹7,36,157), and B:C ratio (2.82), followed closely by NDH-98 (T7) and Selam (T2). These varieties consistently offered higher profitability. In contrast, Sonali (T8) recorded the lowest economic performance, with the lowest gross return, net return, and B:C ratio of 2.38. Despite all varieties providing positive returns, the findings emphasize that both the choice of cropping system and turmeric variety play a critical role in maximizing farm profitability. Intercropping eucalyptus with turmeric and selecting high-yielding varieties like Chhattisgarh Haldi-2 significantly enhance economic outcomes.