Early Seasonal Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) Cultivation Provides Better Returns to Farmers

The objective of the study was to determine the performance of Okra with integrated nutrient management (INM) practices in order to promote early seasonal cultivation among small and marginal farmers in South Tripura for increasing economic returns. The study was conducted at three villages of South Tripura district with 15 farmers and four treatment combinations {T1=75% of state's recommended dose (SRD) of NPK+ 3 spraying of gibberellic acid at 21, 31 & 41 DAS, T2=75% of SRD of NPK+FYM @ 5 t/ha, T3=120:70:60 NPK kg/ha (100% of state SRD) and T4=Farmers’ practice (80:40:40 kg NPK/ha)}. The results of the study revealed that cultivation of Okra with INM practices during both normal and early growing seasons considerably enhanced yield compared to farmers’ practice (4.67 t/ha). However, regardless of the treatments, Okra production during the normal growing season (0.28 to 1.62 t/ha) was much higher than early seasonal growth. In comparison to the selling price, net returns on Okra were substantially greater in the early growing season (Rs. 37/- kg and Rs. 1,02,350 to Rs. 1,33,350/- ha) than in the normal growing season (Rs. 19/- kg and Rs.13,570 to Rs. 47,290/- ha). Therefore, it was concluded that early seasonal Okra production could be an economically feasible and sustainable agriculture system in Tripura's South district.