Economics of Capsicum and Tomato Crops Production under Protected Cultivation in the Regions of Kalyana-Karnataka, India

Protected cultivation is an important initiative for cultivating the high value horticultural crops especially during the off-season which enables the farming communities to generate higher revenues in the limited area. In this context, a study has been undertaken to find out the viability of the protected cultivation structures for the cultivation of horticulture crops of capsicum and tomato in the regions of Kalyana-Karnataka. The research study was conducted in the district of Koppal and Ballari in regions of Kalyana-Karnataka based on the existence of highest number of protected structures. The study was based on primary data through personal interview method of the farmers who have adopted protected cultivation technology. A sample of 60 farmers were drawn as respondents from each district based on their size and composition of the structures and also on the basis of crops grown under protected condition. The data collected from the farmers with respect to the cost and return of capsicum and tomato under protected cultivation were analysed using cost and returns analysis techniques. The results reported that, the net returns of capsicum and tomato crops in protected cultivation were Rs. 2,92,768 and Rs. 2,28,289 respectively in an area of of 1008 sqm and the B:C ratios of capsicum and tomato crops were reported as 1:3.40 and 1:2.89 respectively. Thus, the protected cultivation structures in the regions of Kalyana-Karnataka for the cultivation of tomato and capsicum crops were found as economically viable unit. Hence, effort may be needed from the farmers of this region with further government support for increasing the adoption of protected cultivation structures in the cultivation of high value horticultural crops like tomato and capsicum.