Economics of Orchid Cultivation in Kurseong and Mirik Blocks of Darjeeling District of West Bengal

Orchid cultivation has emerged as a promising high-value floriculture enterprise in the hill regions of India. This study evaluates the economic viability and resource-use efficiency of orchid cultivation in the Mirik and Kurseong blocks of Darjeeling district, West Bengal. Primary data were collected from 50 orchid growers through a structured survey using a multistage sampling technique. Financial feasibility was assessed using discounted cash flow measures including Net Present Value (NPV), Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR), Average Annual Net Returns, and Payback Period. Resource-use efficiency was estimated using a Cobb-Douglas production function. The results reveal that the total discounted cost of cultivation was ₹ 25,54,367.19 per hectare in Mirik and ₹ 30,91,034.32 per hectare in Kurseong. The net present value of orchid cultivation was ₹ 44,73,575.31 in Mirik and ₹ 37,80,891.84 in Kurseong, with benefit-cost ratios of 1.57 and 1.85 respectively, indicating strong financial feasibility. The payback period ranged between 2.2 and 3.15 years, suggesting relatively quick recovery of initial investment. Production function estimates show that fertilizers, manure, and labour significantly influence orchid productivity, while excessive sapling density may reduce yield due to crowding effects. The findings suggest that orchid cultivation can substantially enhance farm income in the hill regions. However, high initial investment and technical requirements remain key constraints. Policy interventions such as subsidized credit, technical training, and improved market infrastructure are essential for promoting sustainable expansion of orchid cultivation in Darjeeling.

⓿ Orchid cultivation economics, Floriculture profitability, Net present value, Benefit-cost ratio, Resource-use efficiency, Farm income diversification.