Abstract
In this paper, economic feasibility of two vegetable crops (i.e., cucumber and tomato) cultivated in a naturally ventilated greenhouse, and the net present worth, cost-benefit ratio, payback period, and internal rate of return for these crops on year-round cultivation are presented. The cost-benefit ratio demonstrated that growing cucumbers and tomatoes can be economically viable in this climatic region. The present experimental study was conducted in the composite climatic condition of Udaipur (24°35′N, 73°42′E), India. The study area is defined as arid and semi-arid region of Indian climatic conditions. Droughts are a recurring phenomenon in arid and semi-arid regions creating a situation that affects not only agricultural productivity but also people’s health. In particular, the western part of the state is a desert, and its socioeconomic status influences nutrient purchasing power. A poor diet can lead to a vitamin and mineral deficiency. The state of Rajasthan has good agricultural potential; interventions using protected cultivation practices can increase the production and productivity of vegetable crops. However, the current adoption rate of such practices in the state remains very slow, even after a promotional scheme offered by the state government. The government and policymakers should consider offering demonstrations of practices at a larger level. Farmers of the state are marginal and economically poor, requiring more financial assistance. Low cost technologies would be suitable for these farmers.
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Acknowledgments
The author (N. L. Panwar) gratefully acknowledges Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology, Udaipur (Rajasthan), India, and Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, for sponsorship under the quality improvement program of the Government of India. The financial support extended by Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Govt. of India is gratefully acknowledged.
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Panwar, N.L., Kothari, S. & Kaushik, S.C. Cost-benefit and systems analysis of passively ventilated solar greenhouses for food production in arid and semi-arid regions. Environ Syst Decis 34, 160–167 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10669-013-9438-5
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10669-013-9438-5