Economic Impact of Integrated Pest Management in Eggplant: A Propensity-Score Matching Analysis for Tamil Nadu

This study has investigated the economic impact of integrated pest management (IPM) on eggplant in Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu. For the study, a total sample of 180 farmers was randomly selected and interviewed and were then classified as IPM farmers and non-IPM farmers. The propensity score-matching approach was followed to examine the effect of IPM on eggplant yield, net income, and pesticide expenditures using cross-sectional data. The findings have revealed that adoption of the IPM exerts a positive and significant impact on eggplant yield and net income, and a significantly negative effect on pesticide expenditures. These results are relevant for designing policies to reduce excessive pesticide-use or to encourage the adoption of alternative pest control methods such as IPM.