Energy analysis of different cucumber varieties in protected cultivation under humid tropic condition of West Coast, India

Energy-efficient agricultural production system is a prerequisite to achieving sustainability. The effect of energy-intensive inputs is directly associated with the cost of production and environmental issues. In this regard, a study was conducted to assess the energy use pattern of six cucumber varieties under greenhouse conditions on the west coast of India. The higher energy input (64671 MJ/ha) and energy output (176176 MJ/ha) were observed in Gypsy, closely followed by Kian (energy input 64096 MJ/ha and energy output 164780 MJ/ha) variety, and lower values were observed with variety Infinity. The results indicated that among the six tested varieties, the energy use efficiency (2.72) and energy productivity (3.41 MJ/kg) were found higher in Gypsy (2,72 and 3.41) and Kian (2,57 and 3.21) varieties, respectively. The lower values were observed in the Infinity variety with an energy efficiency and energy productivity of 1.89 and 2.36 MJ/kg. The specific energy required to produce per unit of economic output was lower in varieties Gypsy (0.29 kg/MJ) and Kian (0.31 kg/MJ). The net energy was found maximum in Gypsy (111505 MJ/ha), closely followed by Kian (100684 MJ/ha), indicating cucumber cultivation under protected cultivation as energy-intensive. Further, the energy use pattern of cucumber production indicated that nitrogenous fertiliser, labour, insecticide, and fungicide are the significant energy-consuming inputs for cucumber production. In conclusion, growing varieties Gypsy and Kian would be a better option under greenhouse conditions on the West Coast to achieve higher yield, energy efficiency and energy productivity.