Organic turmeric cultivation in the eastern Ghat high land zone of Odisha

An investigation was carried out for popularization of organic turmeric cultivation through frontline demonstrations in Koraput district of Odisha in India during 2013-14 under National Horticulture Mission. An average yield of 124.8 q / ha was obtained under organic cultivation of turmeric in contrast to average yield of 142.8 q / ha from inorganic plots (farmers practice) during Kharif’2013. The average cost of production of turmeric per hectare was found to be Rs. 191560 and Rs. 179600 from organic and inorganic field respectively. The average gross return per hectare from FLD (organic) and inorganic field (Farmers Practice)was recorded as Rs. 374400 and Rs.285600respectively.However, the average net return/ ha of organic turmeric in different FLD plots was obtained as Rs. 185840 in contrast to Rs.106000 in different farmers field under inorganic cultivation. The Cost : Benefit ratio was found to be 1: 1.95 in Organic turmeric and 1:1.59 in Inorganic turmeric. Organic turmeric growers were highly satisfied with their organic production and higher economic return. High cost : benefit ratio also advocated the economic viability of the demonstration and motivated the farmers towards adoption of interventions demonstrated.