Economic Feasibility of Cultivation of Gobhi Sarson (Brassica napus) alongwith Bee Keeping

In Punjab about 35 lakh ha area is put under wheat cultivation during Rabi season. This crop gives about Rs 61908/-net income/ha. In order to increase the farmer's income as well as profitability, cultivation of gobhi sarson was advocated to 40 honey bee keepers replacing wheat crop. The study was carried out at 40 honey bee keepers farm replacing about 16 ha area. It was found that the average yield of gobhi sarson/ha was 20 q/ha and sold at the rate of Rs. 3700/q which gave a gross income of Rs 74000/ha. Similarly, honey produced from 10 bee boxes by individual farmer was worth Rs 51952/-whereas from one hectare wheat, gross income of Rs. 82500/-was obtained. Hence, it was evident that integration of gobhi sarson with bee keeping proved to be more economical than the cultivation of sole wheat crop. Therefore, farmers must replace some area from wheat crop and put under gobhi sarson alongwith keeping of atleast 10 bee boxes. This combination will definitely help the farmer in increasing the farm income.