Economic feasibility of potato production influenced by intra-row plant spacing under mango-based agroforestry system

Abstract

For ensuring the food security and maximum use of land, the potato production under a mango-based agroforestry system is an effective production approach. The purpose of this study was to assess the yield potential and the economic benefits of potato production under a mango-based agroforestry system. The potato tubers were planted in a 10-year-old mango orchard and open field condition. The experiment was laid out following a split plot design with three (3) replications. Potato production system under mango orchard and open field were arranged in main plots T0 = potato sole cropping (control) and T1 = potato under mango-based agroforestry system. On the other hand, potato intra-row plant spacing were in sub-plots S0 = 60 × 20 cm2, S1 = 60 × 25 cm2 and S2 = 60 × 30 cm2. The data of yield characters of potatoes were investigated. The cost of production, gross & net return and benefit-cost ratio was calculated for economic analysis. The results show that the closest (60 x 20 cm2) intra-row plant spacing produced the highest yield while the economic returns from potatoes grown under the mango-based agroforestry system were higher than those derived from cropped grown as a sole crop or potatoes cultivation alone (gross returns US$3508/ha, net returns US$1642/ha). Further, the benefit-cost ratio from the combined cultivation of potatoes and mangos was 2.14, which was 20 % higher than growing potatoes as a sole crop. Thus, the cultivation of potatoes under a mango-based agroforestry system offers a significant financial benefit to farmers while ensuring the sustainable use of vacant space in mango orchards