Obtained Yield and Financial Parameters of Organically Grown Mint in the Republic of Macedonia

Abstract

Aims: The objective of this paper is to present the soil and weather conditions, applied production technology and to demonstrate the economic viability of irrigated and organically grown Mint (Mentha piperita). Methodology: The obtained yield results are in reference to the open field growing conditions. In order to present the results in clear and understandable manner, standard methods for cost calculation were applied, usual for organic plant production. In order to obtain comparable results, the processed data in this paper are from the two-year production trials (2009 and 2010), of a new-established mint plantation planted in October 2008, in the region of Ovche Pole - central part of the Republic of Macedonia. Results: In the first year of utilization (2009), two cuttings were performed yielding 3500 kg/ha of above-ground dry mass.  In the second year of utilization (2010), there were three cuttings yielding 5155 kg/ha of above-ground plant dry mass. Economic analysis proves that profitability in organically produced Mint (Mentha piperita) is obtained in the second growing season year, recording profit of € 8125 per hectare. Conclusion: Based from the obtained results the benefits of growing Mint are: opportunities to optimize yield and achieve uniform high quality product. Organic way of growing Mint, can be a great business idea for the farm and family business.