A cost-benefit analysis was conducted to evaluate the economic viability of Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) in the cultivation of acid lime (Citrus aurantifolia Swingle) under different nutrient treatments. The study, performed during the 2023-2024 season in an organic acid lime orchard at Khadoor, Punjab, included eight nutrient management treatments, each with three replications. Among the treatments, T7 (RDF 50% + Vermicompost 50%) resulted in the highest gross income (Rs. 762,560) and net return (Rs. 643,490), along with a benefit-cost ratio (BCR) of 6.40, making it the most profitable treatment. This combination of organic and inorganic nutrients significantly improved tree growth, fruit quality, and yield. The results suggest that T7 not only enhances acid lime productivity but also offers the highest economic returns, proving it to be the most cost-effective and sustainable nutrient management option for acid lime cultivation. The findings emphasize the economic potential of integrated nutrient management as a viable practice for acid lime growers, providing high yields and profitability at an optimal cost

Cost-Benefit Analysis, Integrated Nutrient Management, Economic Viability and Sustainable Farming

The findings of this study highlight the critical role of yield in determining the economic success of acid lime production. T7 stands out as the most profitable treatment, achieving the highest yield, gross income, net return, and benefit-cost ratio. Treatments with lower yields, such as T1, despite their reduced production costs, exhibited inferior economic performance. Therefore, it is concluded that optimizing yield is essential for enhancing profitability in acid lime production. Producers are encouraged to prioritize yield-enhancing strategies to maximize net returns and benefit-cost ratios, even if such strategies necessitate increased investment in production

Gurmeetpal Singh, Sachin Bhardwaj, Ravinder Singh, Harvinder Kaur Sidhu and Shivangi Sood (2025). Economic Evaluation of Integrated Nutrient Management for Acid Lime Citrus aurantifolia Swingle) Cultivation in Punjab: A Cost-Benefit Approach. Biological Forum, 17(5a): 42-46