Comparative Economics of Cucumber Cultivation under Polyhouses and Open Field Conditions in Haryana

Background/Objectives: In the present paper an attempt has been made to study the comparative economics of cucumber cultivation under polyhouses and open field conditions in Haryana.

Methods/Statistical analysis: Karnal district was selected purposively on the basis of predominance of cucumber cultivation both under polyhouses & open field conditions. The primary data for the agriculture year 2013-14 were collected by personal interviews of the selected farmers with the help of a specially designed schedule. Simple statistical tool like Averages and percentages were used to compare, contrast and interpret the results properly.

Findings: The overall findings of the study reveal that the cost of cultivation of cucumber under polyhouses was higher by ₹185681/acre as compared to open field conditions. At the same time, the net returns under polyhouses were higher by ₹97138.68/acre. The results of the study also revealed that the cucumber cultivation under polyhouses has significantly contributed to the yield.

Application/Improvements: Cultivating cucumber in polyhouse conditions results in higher crop production as well as productivity; fetches better market price and can be cultivated in off-season as compared to open field conditions. Since, three cropping seasons of cucumber can be successfully taken; requirement of fertilizers ultimately goes high which can't be considered as a big constraint.