Economic evaluation of drip irrigation system in bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L. var. Grossum)

A field experiment was conducted in the year 2010–11 to study the effect of different levels of irrigation and fertigation on drip irrigated bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L. var. grossum). The experiment was laid out in split plot design keeping three fertigation treatments (100(F₁), 80(F₂) and 60(F₃) % of recommended fertilizers) in main plots and three irrigation treatments (drip irrigation with 1.0(I₁), 0.8(I₂) and 0.6 Potential evapotranspiration (PET) (I₃) in sub plots. Furrow irrigation with manual application of fertilizer was considered as conventional treatment (CT). The average fruit weight (49.34 g), fruit volume (41.11cm³), benefit cost (B/C) ratio (2.55) and yield (189.27 q/ha)) were found to be maximum with 80% recommended dose of fertilizers and 0.8 PET water application. Better results were found in case of drip irrigation treatments as compared with CT. The gross income from drip irrigation system and CT was Rs.283905/ha and Rs.230475/ha respectively. Higher benefit cost ratio in case of drip irrigation system (2.55:1) as compared to CT (2.07:1) suggests better returns from drip irrigation system.