Understanding Economics of Zero Tillage and Rice Straw Mulching in Potato Cultivation

Author: Bijoy Sankar Goswami and Pradip Kumar Baruah

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Abstract

Zero Tillage and Rice Straw Mulching (ZTRM) is such a technique which is widely used in wheat and other crops but has not been broadly used in potato. However, the ZTRM technique is becoming popular among small holders in Assam. The ZTRM technique does not require land preparation, and the mulch cover used in the technique retains high soil moisture. Whereas in Conventional Tillage (CT) there is requirement of land preparation, higher doses of fertilizer, and irrigation etc. Hence, both practices have different cost involvement. The current study provides an account of cost benefit analysis of ZTRM and CT in potato cultivation in Assam. This study was carried out in the district of Barpeta and Biswanath of state of Assam to have a better idea on variability on costs involved in different components in both the locations. It was found that the similar component had cost dynamics in both the places. This was a constraint to work out the cost of cultivation (CoC) to represent the benefit cost ratio for the same technique. The methods display various components to understand the cost involvement in both ZTRM, and CT using cost concept. The experiment was carried out in two different farmer’s fields, one in each district. The obtained results were analyzed using ANOVA at 5% probability level. The results demonstrated that the cost involvement in ZTRM is 22% and 28% lesser in Barpeta and Biswanath district respectively when it was compared with CT.

Keywords

Zero Tillage, Rice Straw Mulching, Conservation agriculture, Cost-benefit, Conventional Tillage

Conclusion

This study constitutes a basis for creating more awareness among farmers for practicing new methods such as ZTRM of potato cultivation. However, more in-depth and multilocation study would require knowing commercial and operational implications on a large-scale cultivation. The current study was performed on a smaller plot to understand the cost involvement. From the study, it is quite evident that small scale cultivation using ZTRM in the agricultural ecosystem of Assam can help small scale farmers. Because the ZTRM technology brings advantage of advancing the cropping cycle, it does not require land preparation, and no or very miniscule irrigation is required. This directly resonate with the current practice of farmers in Assam where irrigation in potato crop is hardly seen by farmers. In such situation ZTRM can complement the crop with conservation of moisture due to its mulch cover. As a result, farmers can get more benefit by realizing more yield.

References

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How to cite this article

Bijoy Sankar Goswami and Pradip Kumar Baruah (2023). Understanding Economics of Zero Tillage and Rice Straw Mulching in Potato Cultivation. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(6): 573-578.