Residue- free production of red cabbage (Brassica oleraceavar capitata f. rubraL.) for export market

Global farming community has realized the potential of vegetables as a cash crop and adopted vegetable cultivation at large scale. As domestic markets get saturated with higher production, it is important to get access to export market to fetch premium rates for agri-produce. Here we report residue free farming of red cabbage (purple-leaved varieties of Brassica oleracea capitatavar. rubraunder protected conditions to meet the export requirements. To increase the shelf life of the agri produce, post harvest management practices through production of dehydrated flakes were also carried out. As per norms of importing countries, both the fresh and dehydrated samples were tested analytically for maximum residue levels of pesticides and metal contaminants. The results confirmed the produce free from the contaminants. Further, the quality of produce was confirmed through analysis for nutritional value in terms of proximate analysis for energy, fat, protein, carbohydrates, calcium, sodium, potassium and iron contents. Soil and irrigation water were also analyzed because these are the sources for residues in the agri-produce. Analysis for cost of cultivation suggested the venture as a highly profitable with cost benefit ratio of 1:1.96. Apropos, the residue-free farming of red cabbage is recommended for earning higher returns through sell of fresh or dehydrated produce in domestic and international premium market.