Performance Evaluation of Drip Irrigation System and Profitability Analysis of Leafy Vegetables under Polyhouse

Abstract

The present experiment on Performance evaluation of drip irrigation system and profitability analysis of leafy vegetables under polyhouse was conducted to study the performance parameters of the drip irrigation systems relating to crop performance. This was done by taking existing drip tapeline, new drip tape line and new inline drip irrigation system under the Polyhouse at the college of Agricultural Engineering, Kandi, Sangareddy, Telangana during the year 2018. Profitability of five green leafy vegetables viz. Palak, Sorrel, Methi, Amaranths and Coriander was also evaluated. The results reveal that the three drip line systems in-line got more uniform coefficient of 98% followed by new drip tape with 96% and preinstalled drip tape with 95%. Among the five green leafy vegetables methi has recorded highest gross (306000Rs acre-1) and net returns (285833) and benefit cost ratio (14.2) followed by Palak, Sorrel whereas Amaranthus has recorded lowest benefit cost ratio (7.6).  In terms of performance characteristics, drip tape and in line system performed better in maintaining uniformity discharge and the designed drip irrigation operated excellently.  Methi, Palak ad sorrel found suitable and profitable in polyhouse where year- round cultivation of vegetables is feasible compared to open field in which crop establishment was very poor and could not be raised successfully due the heavy rains and growth characters of the leafy crops.