Economic Analysis of Organic and Convectional Turmeric Cultivation of Erode District in Tamil Nadu

Abstract

The economics analysis of organic and conventional turmeric cultivation have been examined and the under organic farming has been assessed with respect to important sustainability indicators such as conservation of soil, water, power and farmers economic well-being and livelihood security. The study is based on primary data for 2010-11 collected from 30 organic farming and 30 conventional sample households from the Erode district of Tamil Nadu. The organic farming sample households have been found younger and more educated having larger landholdings and better resources. The organic farming is labour intensive, but its cost of cultivation is lower due to saving on chemical fertilizers, irrigation, seeds and agrochemicals. The yield on organic farmer has been reported lower but it is more than compensated by the price premium received and yield and profit stability observed on the organic farming. In addition, the organic farming has been found superior in terms of economic well being and livelihood security of the farmer.