ECONOMICS OF MIXED CROPPING OF PEPPER, COORG MANDARIN AND CARDAMOM IN ROBUSTA COFFEE

Abstract

A study carried out for four years (1990-91 to 1993-94) on mixed cropping of cardamom, pepper and Coorg mandarin with robusta coffee net present worth v/s mono (sole) crop of robusta coffee, revealed that the cost of cultivation was Rs.46322/ha in mixed cropping as against Rs.27678/ha under monocropping. The net returns of Rs.105213/ha realized in mixed cropping was 3.69 times more than monocropping. The incremental net gain in mixed cropping was Rs.76723/ha (269.30%) over the monocrop. The financial criteria such as net present worth and benefit cost ratio were also found to be higher by 3.55 and 1.56 times respectively in mixed cropping. The mixed cropping of cardamom with robusta coffee generated income to the farmers over a period of ten months (July-April) and gainful employment for family members all round the year.