On-farm assessment of banana-based cropping systems with ICAR-FUSICONT and CSR GROW-SURE in the Indo-Gangetic Plain

Abstract:

Banana (Grand Naine, G-9) cultivation, integrated with ICAR-FUSICONT and CSR GROW-SURE bio-inputs, has shown encouraging results in improving productivity and sustainability in the Indo-Gangetic Plain. On field demonstrations conducted under ICAR-CSSRI, KVK initiatives in Hardoi district (U.P.) showed that the combined use of these bio-formulations significantly improved plant growth and profitability. The two-year average yield of banana stood at 573 q/ha, nearly seven times higher than the average combined yield of the rice-wheat system (81.07 q/ha). Gross returns increased from Rs. 1.67 lakh/ha (control) to Rs. 7.62 lakh/ha (treated), while net returns also increased from Rs. 1.17 lakh/ha to Rs. 6.10 lakh/ha. The Benefit–Cost ratio (B:C ratio) also improved, increasing from 2.10 to 4.02. It was observed that, at an overall level, the coefficient of determination (R²) was 0.88, indicating that 88% of the variation in banana production was explained by the variables included in the function. It was also revealed from the data that variables such as plants (X1), ICAR-FUSICONT (X4), CSR GROW-SURE (X5), potassium (K) (X8), and irrigation cost (X9) have a positive and statistically significant effect on output at the 5% level. Moreover, the negative signs for the coefficients of nitrogen (N) (X6), phosphorus (P) (X7), and plant protection cost (X10) indicate a misuse or inefficiency in their application. Feminine work (X3) also has a large negative effect at 1%. Male labour (X2) proved to be insignificant, meaning that X2 had a minimal influence on productivity in the model. The study also indicates that the use of planting material, ICAR-FUSICONT, CSR GROW-SURE, and irrigation charges is underutilised, and its MVP/Px ratios vary between 5.36 and 19.42, indicative of an opportunity cost with scope for additional application in a gainful operation. In comparison, the negative or low MVP/Px ratio of labour (male and female), N, P, K and plant protection charges indicates overuse of these resources.

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