Energy input-output analyses of major field vegetable crops production in Punjab

The energy consumption pattern in Indian agriculture has changed with a marked shift from human and animal power to electrical and mechanical sources of energy (tractors, diesel engines, self-propelled machines). The rising cost of production and depleting energy sources are paramount concerns for the maximization of productivity with minimum input of energy and cost. A study was performed for determining the energy productivity of five major vegetable crops (potato, tomato, muskmelon, garden pea, cauliflower) production systems. Significantly higher (p<0.05) energy consumption was observed for potato cultivation (53,412 ± 2,388 MJ.ha^-1), followed by tomato (47,489 ± 1,183 MJ.ha^-1), cauliflower (39,367 ± 1,127 MJ.ha^-1), muskmelon (37,827 ± 856 MJ.ha^-1), and garden pea (24,625 ± 497 MJ.ha^-1). Irrigation was observed to be the major energy-consuming farm operation, followed by transportation of farmyard manure (FYM)/fertilisers and produce. Based on the significant contribution of non-renewable and commercial energy in the production of major vegetable crops, the agricultural system was observed to be vulnerable to increase in energy prices through petroleum as well as fertiliser prices. There is a need to include more energy- and cost-effective farm mechanisation and irrigation systems.