Comprehensive impact assessment of soil fertility enhancement strategies, economic viability, and yield performance of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) in sub-tropical hill agroecosystems of Manipur

PH CHANDRAMANI  SINGH; INGUDAM  BHUPENCHANDRA; ABHIMANYU  CHATURVEDI; L SOMENDRO  SINGH; N JOHNSON  SINGH; SUKHAM JOYBI  SINGH

doi:10.56093/ijas.v95i8.159315

Authors

PH CHANDRAMANI SINGH Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Churachandpur, (ICAR-Research Complex for NEH Region, Manipur), Manipur 795 128, India
INGUDAM BHUPENCHANDRA College of Horticulture, Thenzawl, Mizoram, Central Agricultural University, Imphal, Manipur
ABHIMANYU CHATURVEDI Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Deomali (Directorate of Agriculture, Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh, Naharlagun, Itanagar), Tirap, Arunachal Pradesh
L SOMENDRO SINGH Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Churachandpur, (ICAR-Research Complex for NEH Region, Manipur), Manipur 795 128, India
N JOHNSON SINGH Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Churachandpur, (ICAR-Research Complex for NEH Region, Manipur), Manipur 795 128, India
SUKHAM JOYBI SINGH Horticulture and Soil Conservation, Bishnupur, Manipur

https://doi.org/10.56093/ijas.v95i8.159315

Keywords:

Economics, Extension gap, Front line demonstration, Impact, Technology index, Tomato, Yield

Abstract

The present study was carried out during winter (rabi) season of 2021–22 and 2022–23 at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Churachandpur, (ICAR-Research Complex for NEH Region, Manipur), Manipur, to assess the yield, soil fertility, and economics of 'Arka Samrat' tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) variety compared to farmers' practices at six locations. The implementation of SSNM significantly enhanced soil fertility parameters, with marked improvements in soil organic carbon, SOC stock, N, P and K levels, whereas soil bulk density and pH remained unaltered. Agronomic performance was satisfactory, with yields averaging 20 t/ha across demonstration sites. Economic analysis revealed financial viability, with a mean gross return of ₹303,000/ha against a production cost of ₹97,800/ha, yielding an average net return of ₹210,500/ha. The benefit-cost ratio of 3.09 and return on investment of 2.15 accentuate the economic efficacy of the intervention. Additional economic indicators productivity per unit area (1,330), break-even point (8,150), marketable surplus (3,261), and marginal rate of return (222) further validate the financial reliability of the approach. This investigation establishes that SSNM-based tomato cultivation represents an agronomically viable and economically profitable enterprise for the sub-tropical hills of Manipur, offering a sustainable pathway to enhanced soil fertility, optimized yields, and improved agricultural livelihoods in this distinctive agroecological zone.

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