Economic Assessment of Canola (Gobhi Sarson) as Influenced by Sowing Dates and Bio-Fertilizer Levels in Dehradun Region
Neelima Rawat
Department of Agriculture, Shivalik College of Engineering, Dehradun, India.
Pragya
Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Indra Pratap Singh *
Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Shri Murli Manohar Town P.G. College, Jananayak Chandrashekhar University, Ballia, India.
Sulochna
Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Agronomy, Agriculture College Garhwa, Bishunpur, Piprakala, Garhwa-822114, Birsa Agricultural University, Jharkhand, India.
Vijay Kant Singh
Department of Soil Science at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, India.
Sweta Chakraborty
SDSUV University, India.
Vikash Singh Sengar *
Department of Agriculture, Shivalik College of Engineering, Dehradun, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aims: The study aimed to assess the impact of different sowing dates and bio-fertilizer combinations on the yield and economic performance of canola (Brassica napus) under Dehradun agro-climatic conditions.
Study Design: Factorial Randomized Block Design (FRBD) with 18 treatment combinations replicated thrice.
Place and Duration of Study: The field experiment was conducted during Rabi season 2021–2022 at the Research Farm of Shivalik Institute of Professional Studies, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India.
Methodology: Three sowing dates (S1: 23rd October, S2: 4th November, S3: 14th November) and six bio-fertilizer treatments (D1 to D6 including organic sulphur and inoculants like Azotobacter, PSB, and SSB) were tested. Yield parameters, cost of cultivation, gross income, net returns, and benefit-cost (B:C) ratio were evaluated.
Results: The 4th November sowing (S2) recorded the highest grain yield (17.8 q/ha), net income (₹41,604/ha), and B:C ratio (1:2.19). Among bio-fertilizers, treatment D4 (Organic Sulphur + SSB) yielded the highest economic return (₹37,282/ha) and B:C ratio (1:1.98), followed closely by D5. The lowest economic performance was observed in the absolute control (D6).
Conclusion: The combination of timely sowing (4th November) and sulphur solubilizing bio-fertilizers enhances both yield and profitability in canola cultivation. These findings advocate for integrated, eco-friendly agronomic practices in oilseed farming for sustainable productivity.
Keywords: Canola, sowing date, bio-fertilizer, economic analysis, net return, B:C ratio, gross income and cost of cultivation