Year: 2024 | Month: December | Volume 69 | Issue 4
Sensitivity and Revenue Analysis of Fortified Vermicompost
Tea and its Effect on Production Economics of Tulsi
Jancy Garg
Sabyasachi Koley
Amitava Rakshit
DOI:10.46852/0424-2513.5.2024.12
Abstract:
Vermicompost tea (VCT) is an emerging bio-stimulant that enhances plant growth, soil fertility, and economic sustainability in organic and integrated farming systems. This study evaluates the economic viability and agronomic impact of VCT application in Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum L.) cultivation over two consecutive years (2021–22 and 2022–23). A sensitivity analysis of VCT production revealed a profit margin of 58.4% and a break-even price of ` 20.8 per liter, demonstrating its cost-effectiveness. Further economic assessments showed that integrating VCT with chemical fertilizers improved yield, net returns, and benefit-cost (B:C) ratios. Treatments T3 (100% RDF + SS) and T4 (100% RDF + DS) recorded the highest leaf count and net returns, while T7 (90% RDF + DS) exhibited comparable performance, indicating that a 10% reduction in fertilizers along with dual VCT application could maintain optimal yields. The B:C ratio and return-on investment (ROI) were highest for T3 and T4, reflecting their superior profitability. Fresh leaf production generated higher economic returns than dry leaves, as additional postharvest processing costs reduced profitability in the latter. The results highlight the synergistic benefits of microbial inoculants in improving nutrient uptake efficiency and soil health. The study supports sustainable agricultural practices, aligning with SDGs 2, 8, 12, and 13, and suggests that medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) can be effectively integrated into existing cropping systems for enhanced economic resilience and environmental sustainability. These findings provide a scientific foundation for scaling up VCT-based interventions in organic and low-input farming systems.
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