Economic viability of drumstick based agri-horticulture system to replace tobacco in Central Gujarat: A modified partial budgeting approach

Abstract

A partial budgeting approach was used to evaluate drumstick based cropping system against tobacco crop. The study was based on data generated at research farm during 2003-2009. The drumstick based cropping system was not only found to be remunerative than tobacco but also provided environmental services in terms of soil carbon built up and nutrient saving in the soil. This holds promise for agro-ecosystem of central Gujarat, which has predominant tobacco mono cropping system that is averse to soil conservation. Besides saving in irrigation water, the cropping systems enhanced returns over variable cost, saving in soil nutrients valued at Rs 657 ha-1 and sustained soil carbon built up valued at Rs 3696 ha-1. This environmental benefits provided by drumstick based production system has implications for resource conservation and environmental security, thus, making it legitimate in view of the national action framework to find alternative crop after signing the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control of World Health Organization.