Production Potential and Economic Feasibility of Growing Medicinal and Aromatic Plants in Jute Based Cropping System

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted at the research farm of the Central Research Institute of Jute and Allied Fibres during 2013-14 to study the production potential and economic feasibility of growing medicinal and aromatic plants in Jute based cropping system. The experiment was laid out in split plot design, Jute was cultivated during pre-kharif followed by kharif rice. It was followed by sowing of five medicinal and aromatic plants [asalio (Lepidium sativum), ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), isabgol (Plantago ovata), menthol mint (Mentha arvensis) and senna (Senna angustifolia)] and one traditional crop potato. Among the medicinal and aromatic plants, ashwagandha gave the highest net return of Rs. 98,771 followed isabgol (Rs. 95,964). The analysis of system economics recorded the highest BC ratio of 2.28 in ashwagandha followed by asalio. Though the gross return in case of potato was highest (Rs.2,41,000) but the BC ratio is quite less (1.41). So ashwagandha is more economical compared to traditional crop potato in jute based cropping system. The interaction effect of the crop and nutrient was also significant in case of ashwagandha which is found as the best cropping sequence.