Economic Feasibility of Carnation Cultivation in the Nilgiris District of Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

Aim: To estimate the economics of Carnation Production under Protected cultivation, to estimate the feasibility of the protected cultivation of Carnation in the study district, and to assess the constraints faced by the farmers in scaling up the protected cultivation in the study district and to suggest suitable solutions. Study Design: An ex-post-facto study was conducted, among the carnation cultivators of Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu. Place and Duration of Study: The Nilgiris district was purposively selected for the study as it possesses the largest area under carnation flower cultivation in Tamil Nadu and the study was conducted between April 2023 and June 2023. Methodology: The present study employed a multi-stage purposive cum random sampling technique to select the district, blocks, villages, and respondents for research. The Nilgiris district was purposefully chosen for its significance in carnation flower cultivation within Tamil Nadu. Specifically, Kothagiri, Coonoor, and Uthagai blocks of the Nilgiris district were selected as focal areas for this investigation. Within each of these selected blocks, two villages were chosen, resulting in a total of six villages as study locations. To ensure representation, 30 farmers engaged in carnation cultivation were then selected, with a proportion of 5 farmers per village. The respondents were interviewed with a pre-structured questionnaire through a random approach. Furthermore, the study incorporated feasibility analysis, which included evaluating key financial metrics such as the Benefit-Cost Ratio, Net Present Worth, and Internal Rate of Return. These financial analyses were conducted to assess the economic viability and potential returns associated with carnation cultivation in the Nilgiris district. Results: The results reveal that the net return/ 4000 m2 is Rs. 16.67 lakhs. The BCR was found to be 1.40 (Financially feasible). The NPV was found to be Rs. 70.35 lakhs and the IRR was estimated to be 40.00 per cent. Major constraints encountered by the farmers include the higher cost of polyhouse material and construction, followed by the higher cost of the seedlings and the poor availability of skilled labour. Conclusion: Protected cultivation technology unlocks the potential to produce crops with high productivity and superior quality.