Economic analysis of Ocimum sanctum under peach and apricot based agroforestry system

Abstract

The study was carried out at experimental farm of Department of Silviculture and Agroforestry, Dr Y S Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, HP. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with seven treatments and three replications. The cost of cultivation, gross return and net return of three different agroforestry systems was determined separately in the presence and absence of trees to know the economic profitability of tree-crop combination. The results of the study revealed that among different treatments, maximum (233361.11 Rs/ha) cost of cultivation was recorded in T6 (420 ml/plant Jeevamrut) with cultivation of Ocimum sanctum under peach tree. Considering gross return, same application of Jeevamrut (420ml/plant) resulted in higher gross return (311044.44 Rs/ha) under peach based agroforestry system and minimum (205755.56 Rs/ha) gross return was recorded in T7 where Ocimum sanctum was grown as a sole crop without organic manure. However, highest B:C ratio ((1.87) was observed under peach tree where, 25t/ha FYM was applied as organic manure. In comparison to sole crop, agroforestry system under peach and apricot was found to be viable and profitable.