Effect of cultivars, planting dates and mulching on yield and Economics of Turmeric

A field experiment was conducted during two consecutive years 2006–07 and 2007–08 on the experimental area of Department of Horticulture, RBS College, Bichpuri, Agra to determine the effect of cultivars planting dates and mulching on yield and economics of turmeric. The results indicated that the Pant pitabh was the most suitable variety under the agro climatic conditions of Agra by giving significantly higher fresh marketable yield (233.52 q/ha) of rhizome over all other varieties. The higher net income 61957/ha with highest B: C ratio (1.19: 1) was also obtained by this variety. The planting dates also significantly influenced the yield of rhizomes. The planting of rhizome on 30^th April gave significantly higher yield (234.70 q/ha) over other dates of planting and also obtained higher net return ( 61662/ha) with maximum B: C ratio (1.19: 1). The mulching was assessed much favorable to ensure productively of turmeric due to being long duration and water loving crop and it was found economically viable too.