Comparative economics of capsicum cultivation under polyhouse and open field conditions in Punjab

The study analysed and compared the costs and profitability in the production of capsicum under protected cultivation vis-a-vis open field conditions in Punjab state. The results revealed that the cost of establishment ofpolyhouse was to the tune ofRs.18.70 lakh/4000m² with subsidy. The total per acre cost ofproduction of capsicum under polyhouse was higher by Rs.4.17 lakh (336.45%) than that of open field cultivation. The huge differences in cost of production in polyhouse cultivation of capsicum were due to the use of more number of seedlings, costly seeds, high field and bed preparation cost and requirement of skilled labour while expenditure on weeding and irrigation was found less in polyhouse cultivation of vegetables. The yield of capsicum in polyhouse cultivation was found higher (111.05%) as compared to open field cultivation of capsicum. Under polyhouse, the cultivation of capsicum was found feasible as reflected by higher value of NPVi.e. Rs. 17.61lakh per 4000m²with benefit cost ratio (BCR) of 1.3 and Internal rate of return (IRR) of 24 per cent. Despite various constraints such as. high investment cost, lack of technical guidance, costly seeds, non-availability of skilled labour and high cost of maintenance, cultivation of capsicum under polyhouse emerges as a profitable venture to increase farmers’ income.