Vol.3 No.1 (2008)

EVALUATION OF ORGANIC GROWTH PROMOTERS ON YIELD OF DRYLAND VEGETABLE CROPS IN INDIA

Bindumathi Mohan

Abstract: A cost-benefit analysis was made of the effect of three organic growth-promoters on yield and quality of two vegetable crops, brinjal (Solanum melonogena) and tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum), grown under field conditions. Traditional Ayurvedic growth-promoters, Panchagavya and Amrit Pani, were compared with Bokashi made using Effective Microorganisms (EM) technology. The results indicate higher yield and lower glycoalkaloid content in Bokashi-treated crops, followed by Panchagavya. Panchagavya was the most cost-effective growth-promoter followed by Amrit Pani and then Bokashi. We recommend the use of Panchagavya as an organic growth-promoter for small and marginally profitable vegetable-crop farmers.

Keywords: Bokashi, Panchagavya, Amrit Pani, Solanum melongena, Lycopersicon esculentum, glycoalkaloid levels, yield, cost-benefit analysis, dryland marginal farmers, indigenous organic growth-promoters.

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