American Journal of Plant Sciences, 2013, 4, 2023-2030
http://dx.doi.org/10.4236/ajps.2013.410253 Published Online October 2013 (http://www.scirp.org/journal/ajps)
2023
Economics of Yield and Production of Alkaloid of Withania
somnifera (L.) Dunal
Atul Kumar Shrivastava1, Pankaj K. Sahu2*
1Directorate of Research Services, Jawarharlal Nehru Krishi Viswavidylaya, Jabalpur, India; 2Dr. C.V. Raman University, Bilaspur,
India.
Email: *sahu.pankaj1@gmail.com
Received June 3rd, 2013; revised July 3rd, 2013; accepted August 4th, 2013
Copyright © 2013 Atul Kumar Shrivastava, Pankaj K. Sahu. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons
Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is
properly cited.
ABSTRACT
The yield parameters and cost economics of Withania somnifera were studied using Integrated Nutrient Management
(INM) treatments. Withania somnifera is cultivated in around 10,780 ha with a production of 8429 tones in India. The
annual demand of this herb increased from 7028 tones (2001-2002) to 9127 tones (2004-2005). The field experiment
was conducted at the research farm of Department of Plant Physiology, College of Agriculture, Jabalpur during Kharif
season of 2008-2009 (1st year) and 2009-2010 (2nd year), whereas the laboratory work was carried out in Quality Labo-
ratory, College of Agriculture, Jabalpur. The soil of experimental field was sandy loam in texture with pH 7.5, EC 0.18
dsm1 having good drainage. Soil analysis revealed that available nitrogen was low (202.0 kg·ha1) whereas available
phosphorus (16.25 kg·ha1) and potassium (236.0 kg·ha1) were in the medium range. The present paper shows how to
determine the economics of varying INM treatments. Cultivation of W. somnifera in India is gaining popularity among
farmers; however, due to poor soil fertility, and costly chemical fertilizers and pesticides its production is not economi-
cal or profitable.
Keywords: Withania somnifera; INM; Yield; Alkaloid; Economics
1. Introduction
Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal commonly known as
Ashwagandha is one of the important medicinal crops in
Ayurvedic and an indigenous medicine for over 3000 years
in India [1]. The twenty three known Withania species
are widely distributed in the drier parts of tropical and
sub-tropical zones [2-5]. The root of W. somnifera is a
constituent of over 200 formulations in Ayruveda, Sid-
dha and Unani medicines for the treatment of various phy-
siological disorders [6]. Among them, only two species:
Withania somnifera and Withania coagulans are of eco-
nomical and medicinal importance as they are used and
cultivated in several regions [7-9]. Withania somn ifera is
native of Mediterranean region in North Africa and is
widely distributed in Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, South
Africa, Iraq, Iran, Syria and Turkey [10,11]. It is found
naturally in forests, particularly in drier regions of India
which includes Foot hills of Punjab and Himachal Pra-
desh and North western regions of Madhya Pradesh [1].
In India, Withania somnifera is cultivated in around
10,780 ha with a production of 8429 tones. The annual
demand of this herb increased from 7028 tones (2001-
2002) to 9127 tones (2004-2005). This 29.8% increase in
the demand of Withania somnifera has led to an increase
in area under its cultivation for higher production with
good quality [12]. In Madhya Pradesh, Withania somnif-
era is cultivated in over 4000 ha in the drier parts espe-
cially in Manasa, Neemuch and Jawad tehsils of Mand-
saur District [8].
Cultivated Withania somnifera yielded better quality
roots reported by Pandey and Patra [13]. Among the sev-
eral constraints, improper nutrient management is one of
the factors responsible for the low productivity. Chemi-
cal fertilizers though played an important role to meet the
nutritional demand of the crop, the continuous use of che-
mical fertilizers is reported to have deleterious effects on
soil heath due to their ill effects on physical, chemical
and biological properties of soil [14]. However, the use
of organic manures along with inorganic fertilizers not
only improves physico-chemical and biological prop-
*Corresponding author.
Copyright © 2013 SciRes. AJPS
Economics of Yield and Production of Alkaloid of Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal
2024
erties of soil but also provides all the nutrients in avail-
able form to crop plants, which in turn enhances better
growth and finally the yield and quality parameters of W.
somnifera. Thus, there is an urgent need to formulate
integrated nutrient management for increasing the pro-
ductivity and production of W. somn ifera. In the absence
of sufficient and reliable scientific information of inte-
grated use of organic and chemical fertilizers on cultiva-
tion of W. somnifera, farmers are forced to use chemical
fertilizers. The Present paper shows how to determine the
economics of varying integrated nutrient management
treatments. In India, cultivation of W. somnifera is gain-
ing popularity among farmers; however, due to poor soil
fertility, and costly chemical fertilizers and pesticides its
production is not economical or profitable.
2. Material and Methods
2.1. Study Area
The study was performed during 2008-2010 in the Re-
search Farm, Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwavidyalaya
(JNKVV), Jabalpur, M.P. lies between 22˚49' to 24˚80'
north latitude and 78˚21' to 80˚58' east longitude with an
average altitude of 411.78 m asl. Jabalpur has a typical
sub tropical climate with hot dry summers and cool dry
winters. Temperature extremes vary from minimum tem-
peratures of 2˚C in December-January months to maxi-
mum temperature of 46˚C in May-June months. Based on
30 years mean meteorological data, the average annual
rainfall of the locality is 1315 mm, which mostly receiv-
es between mid June to end of September with an occa-
sional winter showers during December and January
months. The details of the material used and the methods
adopted during the course of experiment are presented
below.
2.2. Weather Conditions
The different weather parameters viz., temperature, rain-
fall, relative humidity, sun-shine and rainy days etc. of
Jabalpur during two consecutive years (2008-2009 and
2009-2010) were recorded from the Meteorological Ob-
servatory, Agricultural Engineering College, JNKVV, Ja-
balpur (M.P.). Jabalpur received annual rainfall of 59.7
mm and 923.0 mm from the month of August to Septem-
ber during 2008-2009 and 2009-2010 respectively, be-
sides, occasional showers (ranging from 35 - 160 mm)
during winter months. The mean monthly maximum and
minimum temperature ranged between 32.2˚C to 32.7˚C
and 32.2˚C to 32.3˚C in September and October and
8.3˚C to 10.7˚C and 9.7˚C to 7.0˚C in December and
January during 2008-2009 and 2009-2010, respectively
as well as the mean relative humidity ranged from 85 to
93 percent during 2008-2009 and 2009-2010, respec-
tively.
2.3. Experimental Site
The field experiment was conducted at the Research
Farm in the Dusty acres, Department of Plant Physiology,
College of Agriculture, JNKVV, Jabalpur during Kharif
season of 2008-2009 (1st year) and 2009-2010 (2nd year),
whereas the laboratory work were carried out in the Qua-
lity Laboratory, College of Agriculture, Jabalpur. The
soil of experimental field was sandy loam in texture with
pH 7.5, EC 0.18 dsm1 and having good drainage. Soil
analysis revealed that available nitrogen was low (202.0
kg·ha1) whereas available phosphorus (16.25 kg·ha1)
and potassium (236.0 kg·ha1) were in the medium range.
The organic carbon in the soil was 0.30 per cent and Zn
was 0.52 mg·kg1 soil. The details of the present experi-
mentation are given below.
Design: Randomized Block Design, Replications: 3,
Total experimental area: 41.0 m × 31.2 m, Gross plot size:
5.0 m × 4.2 m, Net plot size: 4.0 m × 3.6 m, Total num-
ber of plots: 42, Distance between replications: 1.5 m,
Distance between plots: 1.0 m, Planting geometry: 30 cm
× 10 cm, Variety: JA-134, Seed rate:10 kg·ha1, Sowing
date: 16th August during 2008 and 2009, & Harvesting
date: 2nd March during 2009 and 2010.
Nutrient management treatments (14)
T1-100% NPK* (40:20:20)-Control, T2-50% NPK
(20:10:10), T3-100% NPK + 5.0 ton/ha FYM**, T4-50%
NPK + 5.0 ton·ha1 FYM, T5-100% NPK + 0.5 ton·ha1
NOC***, T6-50% NPK + 0.5 ton·ha1 NOC, T7-100%
NPK + 2.5 ton·ha1 vermi-compost, T8-50% NPK + 2.5
ton·ha1 vermi-compost, T9-100% NPK + 5.0 ton·ha1
FYM + 20 kg ZnSO4, T10-100% NPK + 2.5 ton·ha1
vermi-compost + 20 kg ZnSO4, T11-100% NPK + 5.0
ton·ha1 FYM + 2.5 ton·ha1 vermi-compost + 20 kg
ZnSO4, T12-50% NPK + 5.0 ton·ha1 FYM + 20 kg
ZnSO4, T13-50% NPK + 2.5 ton·ha1 vermi-compost + 20
kg ZnSO4, T14-50% NPK + 5.0 ton·ha1 FYM + 2.5 ton
ha1 vermi-compost + 20 kg ZnSO4.
Plant sampling: Five plants were randomly of selected
from each plots. Sampling was done at a fixed interval of
30 days for bio-metrical and bio-chemical observations.
The sampling was done at 30, 60, 90, 120 DAS and at the
maturity stage of the crop.
2.4. Benefit—Cost Ratio
The benefit-cost ratio gives an indication of the monetary
gain over one rupee invested under a particular treatment.
This study is helpful to decide feasibility of the treatment
for different economic groups of farmer.

1
1
Gross monetary returns Rsha
Benefit-cost ratio =Cost of cultivation Rs
·
·ha
The net monetary returns per hectare of the treatment
Copyright © 2013 SciRes. AJPS
Economics of Yield and Production of Alkaloid of Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal 2025
and benefit cost ratio of the treatment were worked out
on the basis of two years pooled data.
2.5. Varietal Characteristics of Jawahar
Ashwagandha-134
Jawahar Ashwagandha-134 has been released variety
from the College of Horticulture, Mandsaur, JNKVV,
Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, during the year 1998. This
variety has been developed by pedigree selection method.
It is selection from JA-20 and wild types of Ashwa-
gandha. JA-134 is erect, tall and leaf is chordates, dark
green colour, surface is hairy, berries are yellow or yel-
lowish brown. It takes about 150 - 175 days for maturity
and average dry root yield is about 4 to 6 q·ha1.
2.6. Chemical Fertilizers
Urea, Single Super Phosphate, Muriate of Potash and
Zinc Sulphate were used in the experiment for supplying
nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and zinc nutrient to the
crop plants. The recommended dose of fertilizers (40 kg
N + 20 kg P2O5 + 20 kg K2O ha1) or 100 per cent NPK
was applied by 87 kg Urea, 80 kg Single Super Phos-
phate and 33 kg Muriate of Potash ha1, respectively.
2.7. Organics
The organics consisted of FYM, vermi-compost and
NOC. Vermi-compost was obtained from the Research
Farm while FYM from the Cattle production unit of
JNKVV, Jabalpur. The NOC was purchased from the
open market. All the organics, zinc sulphate, phosphorus,
potassium and half of nitrogen were applied at the time
of sowing as basal dressing as per treatments. The re-
maining amount of nitrogen was applied at 40 days after
sowing (DAS) during both the years.
2.8. Field Preparations
In order to obtain the optimum tilts the field was prepar-
ed by a deep summer ploughing followed by harrowing
with tyne-harrow and leveled with the help of tractor
driven leveler during both the years (2008 and 2009).
The experiment plot was prepared as per approved layout
plan. JA-134 was sown at a planting geometry of 30 cm
× 10 cm using a seed rate of 10 kg·ha1 by hand dibbling
at depth of 5 cm after opening furrows in each plot on
16th August’ during both the years (2009 and 2010).
2.9. Intercultural Operations
Thinning is the process of removal of excess seedlings to
maintain the uniform and desired plant population and
the same was carried at 50 DAS during both the years.
Weeding is the process of removal of unwanted plant
species from the field plots and the same which was done
manually at 25 and 50 DAS.
2.10. Harvesting
The crop was harvested on 2nd March 2009 and 2010
after attaining the full maturity of Ashwagandha crop.
One row from either side of each plot and 50 cm from
both ends were harvested separately to remove the border
effect and then net plot was harvested manually. The
produce was tied into bundles, duly labeled was kept in
respective plots for sun drying and bundle weight was
recorded in kg plot wise.
3. Result
All the results of regarding economic yield and produc-
tion of alkaloids are shows in Tables 1-4.
3.1. Cultivation Cost
The cost of cultivation which included operational cost
and input cost, varied from treatment to treatment depen-
ding upon nutrient applied under different plots Table 1.
The mean cost of cultivation of W. somnifera varied from
Rs. 12,990 to 23,010 ha1 under different nutrient man-
agement. The cost of cultivation was the highest (Rs.
23,010 ha1) under T11 treatment (100% NPK, 2.5 t·ha1
vermi-compost, 5 t·ha1 FYM and 20 kg·ha1 ZnSO4)
followed by (Rs. 22,540 ha1) T14 i.e. 50% NPK, 2.5
t·ha1 vermi-compost, 5 t·ha1 FYM and 20 kg·ha1
ZnSO4), being the lowest (Rs. 12,990 ha1) under T2
treatment (50% recommended dose of NPK·ha1).
Table1. Mean economics of Withania somnifera under dif-
ferent treatments (2009-2010).
Mean economics
Treatments Cost of
cultivation
(Rs·ha1)
Gross income
(Rs·ha1)
Net income
(Rs·ha1)
Benefit cost
ratio
T1 13,460 30,980 17,520 2.30
T2 12,990 28,230 15,240 2.17
T3 14,910 33,280 18,370 2.23
T4 14,440 32,020 17,580 2.21
T5 17,660 42,210 24,550 2.39
T6 17,190 40,020 22,830 2.32
T7 21,160 44,890 23,730 2.12
T8 20,690 42,940 22,250 2.07
T9 15,310 34,980 19,670 2.28
T10 21,560 51,340 29,780 2.38
T11 23,010 61,280 38,270 2.66
T12 14,840 34,160 19,320 2.30
T13 21,090 48,730 27,640 2.31
T14 22,540 55,580 33,040 2.46
Copyright © 2013 SciRes. AJPS
Economics of Yield and Production of Alkaloid of Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal
Copyright © 2013 SciRes. AJPS
2026
3.4. Benefit Cost Ratio
3.2. Gross Monetary Returns
The mean benefit-cost ratio of W. somnifera under dif-
ferent treatments was ranged between 2.07 to 2.66. The
mean benefit-cost ratio was maximum (2.66) under T11
(100% NPK and 2.5 t·ha1 vermi-compost along with 5t
ha1 FYM as well as 20 kg·ha1 ZnSO4) followed by T14
(2.46) i.e. 50% NPK and 2.5 t·ha1 vermi-compost along
with 5 t/ha FYM as well as 20 kg·ha1 ZnSO4 and T10
(2.38) i.e. 100% NPK and 2.5 t·ha1 vermi-compost
along with 20 kg·ha1 ZnSO4. The minimum benefit-cost
ratio (2.07 and 2.12) was obtained under T7 and T8 re-
spectively (Table 1) and dispersed pattern of benefit of
cost representing Figure 1. Market value of dry root of
W. somnifera was Rs. 100/kg during the year 2008-2009
and 2009-2010.
The mean gross monetary returns (GMR) of W. somnif-
era varied from Rs. 28,230 to 61,280 ha1 under different
nutrient management shows in Table 1. The mean gross
monetary returns was maximum (Rs. 61,280 ha1) under
T11 (100% NPK, 2.5 t·ha1 vermi-compost, 5 t·ha1 FYM
and 20 kg·ha1 ZnSO4) followed by T14 (50% NPK, 2.5
t·ha1 vermi-compost, 5 t/ha FYM and 20 kg·ha1
ZnSO4), being the lowest (Rs. 28,230 ha1) GMR was
under T2 (50% recommended dose of NPK ha1).
3.3. Net Monetary Returns
The mean net monetary returns (NMR) of W. somnifera
under different treatments ranged from Rs. 15,240 to
38,270 ha1 under different treatments (Table 1). The
mean NMR was the highest (Rs. 38,270 ha1) under T11
(100% NPK and 2.5 t·ha1 vermi-compost along with 5
t·ha1 FYM as well as 20 kg·ha1 ZnSO4) followed by T14
(Rs. 33,040 ha1) i.e. 50% NPK and 2.5 t·ha1 vermi-
compost along with 5 t·ha1 FYM as well as 20 kg·ha1
ZnSO4 and T10 (Rs. 29,780 ha1) i.e. 100% NPK and 2.5
t·ha1 vermi-compost along with 20 kg·ha1 ZnSO4. The
lowest (Rs. 15,240 ha1) NMR of W. somnifera was re-
corded under T2 (50% NPK fertilizers alone), followed
by T1 (100% NPK fertilizers alone).
4. Discussion
4.1. Effect of INM
In a field study at Dharwar, the highest yield (18.66 t·ha1)
and net income (Rs. 28,970 ha1) were recorded from
tomato due to the combined application of 100% NPK
(100:75:100 kg·ha1) with vermi-compost 2 ton·ha1 [15].
However, vermi-compost 4 ton·ha1 with 50% NPK gave
18.10 ton·ha1 fruit yield and net income of Rs. 27,490
ha1. It is evident from the studies conducted under
T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6 T7 T8 T9T10T11T12T13T14
2.0
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
2.6
2.7
Benefit cost ratio
Various Treatments
E
Figure 1. Showing the treatments pattern of Benefit cost ratio of Withania somnifera.
Economics of Yield and Production of Alkaloid of Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal 2027
Table 2. Common cost in cultivation of Ashwagandha.
S. No. Particulars Numbers/
quantity ha1
Unit price
(Rs·ha1) Cost (Rs·ha1)
1.
Land Preparation
a. Ploughing with tractor
b. Disc harrowing
c. Leveling
d. Preparation of raised beds
One pass
Two pass
One pass
10 labours
Rs. 750 pass1
Rs. 750 pass1
Rs. 150 pass
Rs. 100 labour1
750
1500
150
1000
2.
Sowing management
a. Cost of seed
b. Sowing charges
10 kg
-
Rs. 100 kg1
Rs. 750 ha1
1000
750
3.
Water management
a. Irrigation
b. Application charges
2
2 labours
Rs.150 labour1
Rs. 100 labour1
350
200
4. Weed management
One hand weeding
25 labours
Rs. 100 labour1
2500
5. Harvesting and Threshing 30 labours Rs. 100 labour1 3000
6. Interest on capital and land rent - 10% of the total expenditure 1120
Total cost 12,320
Table 3. Cost of nutrients and its application.
S. No. Particulars Quantity ha1 Unit price (Rs·kg1) Cost (Rs·ha1)
Fertilizers (100% NPK)
40 kg N
20 kg P2O5
20 kg K2O
Rs. 10
Rs. 20
Rs. 7
400
400
140
1.
Application charges 2 labourers Rs. 100 labour1 200
Total 1140
Fertilizers (50% NPK)
20 kg N
10 kg P2O5
10 kg K2O
Rs. 10
Rs. 20
Rs. 7
200
200
70
Application charges 2 labourers Rs. 100 labour1 200
2.
Total 670
Cost of vermi-compost 2.5 ton Rs. 3 7500
Application charges 2 labourers Rs. 100 labour1 200 3.
Total 7700
Cost of FYM 5 ton Rs. 0.25 1250
Application charges 2 labourers Rs. 100 labour1 200 4.
Total 1450
Cost of neem oil cake 500 kg Rs. 8 4000
Application charges 2 labourers Rs. 100 labour1 200 5.
Total 4200
6. Cost of zinc sulphate 20 kg Rs. 20 400
Total 400
Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Jabalpur that
higher dry root yield (673 kg·ha1), net return (Rs 21,070
ha1) and benefit-cost ratio (3.6) were recorded with the
application of 2.5 ton of FYM + 12.5 kg N + 25 kg P2O5
ha1 to Ashwagandha under rainfed condition [16]. Barik
et al. [17] recorded the highest gross returns in rice cv.
IR-36 with the application of 50% RDF in combination
with 10 ton·ha1 vermi-compost. However, the net returns
and benefit-cost ratio were at par with the application of
50% RDF + 10 t·ha1 vermi-compost and 75% RDF + 10
ton·ha1 FYM. Singh and Rai [18] found that the appli-
cation of 50% NPK through fertilizers + vermi-compost
at the rate of 2.5 ton·ha1 or FYM at the rate of 5 ton·ha1,
produced significantly higher rice equivalent yield and
gross income over 100% NPK through fertilizer alone
and 50% NPK + neem cake 1.5 ton·ha1.
Copyright © 2013 SciRes. AJPS
Economics of Yield and Production of Alkaloid of Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal
2028
Table 4. Cost of cultivation under different treatments.
Variable expenditure (Rs·ha1)
Treatments
Common
expenditure
(Rs·ha1) FertilizersVermi-compostFYM NOC ZnSO4
Total cost of
treatment
(Rs·ha1)
T1 100% RDF NPK 12,320 1140 - - - - 13,460
T2 50% RDF NPK 12,320 670 - - - - 12,990
T3 100% RDF NPK + 5 t·ha1 FYM 12,320 1140 - 1450 - - 14,910
T4 50% RDF NPK + 5 t·ha1 FYM 12,320 670 - 1450 - - 14,440
T5 100% RDF NPK + 0.5 t·ha1 NOC 12,320 1140 - - 4200 - 17,660
T6 50% RDF NPK + 0.5 t·ha1 NOC 12,320 670 - - 4200 - 17,190
T7 100% RDF NPK + 2.5 t·ha1
Vermicompost 12,320 1140 7700 - - - 21,160
T8 50% RDF NPK + 2.5 t·ha1
Vermicompost 12,320 670 7700 - - - 20,690
T9 100% RDF NPK + 5 t·ha1 FYM +
20 kg·ha1 ZnSO4 12,320 1140 - 1450 - 400 15,310
T10 100% RDF NPK + 2.5 t·ha1
Vermicompost + 20 kg/ha ZnSO4 12,320 1140 7700 - - 400 21,560
T11
100% RDF NPK + 2.5t·ha1
vermicompost + 5 ha1 FYM + 20
kg/ha ZnSO4
12,320 1140 7700 1450 - 400 23,010
T12 50% RDF NPK + 5 t·ha1 FYM + 20
kg·ha1 ZnSO4 12,320 670 - 1450 - 400 14,840
T13 50% RDF NPK + 2.5 t·ha1
vermicompost + 20 kg·ha1 ZnSO4 12,320 670 7700 - - 400 21,090
T14
50% RDF NPK + 2.5 t·ha1
vermicompost + 5 ha1 FYM + 20
kg·ha1 ZnSO4
12,320 670 7700 1450 - 400 22,540
*100% NPK (RDF)—40:20:20 kg·ha1, **FYM—Farm Yard Manure, ***NOC—Neem Oil Cake, RDF—Recommended Dose of Fertilizer.
4.2. Economic of Cultivation Cost
The cost of cultivation under each treatment was deter-
mined by considering the total cost of both common and
variable inputs on per hectare area basis. The detailed
procedure for determining the cost of cultivation of each
treatment is given in Appendix-I, II and III. The cost of
cultivation is not only useful to work out the net mone-
tary return for the farmers, but it is also useful to assess
the suitability of particular treatments for the farmers.
The cost of cultivation was minimum (Rs. 12,990 ha1)
under the application of 50% recommended dose of che-
mical fertilizers but it increased marginally to Rs 13,460/
ha under the application of 100% recommended dose of
inorganic fertilizers. The cost of cultivation increased ap-
parently very high (Rs. 23,010 ha1) when 100% recom-
mended dose of NPK was applied along with 2.5 t·ha1
vermi-compost and 5.0 t·ha1 FYM as well as 20 kg·ha1
ZnSO4. The FYM and vermi-compost involve more ex-
penditure on transport in addition to their cost of produc-
tion through off farm sources. Hence, the cultivation cost
in the case of T11, T14, T10 and other treatments is differ-
ent than that under the application of nutrients solely.
4.3. Gross Monetary Returns
It is the gross return out of total produce of one hectare
area under a particular treatment on the basis of existing
market rate in the locality. It directly relates to quantity
and price of product in the market. The increased pro-
duction under a particular treatment reflects the increased
gross monetary returns of the treatments. In ashwagand-
ha crop not only root yield had good market value but
also it produced marginal seed yield, with the market of
seeds as an additional source of income. The 50% rec-
ommended dose of NPK fertilizers having the minimum
root yield, fetched the lowest gross monetary return (Rs.
28,230 ha1) on the basis of two years data. The gross
monetary returns increased appreciably when plant nu-
trients were supplied to the crop through different sourc-
es. The integrated use of FYM, vermi-compost, chemical
fertilizers and micronutrient in the case of T11 (100%
recommended dose of NPK fertilizers + 2.5 ton·ha1
vermi-compost + 5.0 ton·ha1 FYM + 20 kg·ha1 ZnSO4)
and T14 (50% recommended dose of NPK fertilizers +
2.5 ton·ha1 vermi-compost + 5.0 ton·ha1 FYM + 20
kg·ha1 ZnSO4) fetched gross monetary returns Rs. of
Copyright © 2013 SciRes. AJPS
Economics of Yield and Production of Alkaloid of Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal 2029
61,280 ha1 and 55,580 ha1 respectively on account of
higher dry root yield and seeds yield under aforesaid
treatments with other treatments being lower under T2
and T1 treatments (Rs. 28,230 ha1 and 31,010 ha1) re-
spectively because of poor dry root and seed yield for
ashwagandha crop. These findings are in close confor-
mity with the results of Singh and Rai [18].
4.4. Net Monetary Returns
It is the actual profit gained under a particular treatment
because NMR was determined by subtracting the cost of
cultivation from gross monetary returns of the same
treatment. The NMR was minimum (Rs. 15,240 ha1)
under T2 where 50% recommended dose of chemical fer-
tilizers was given to ashwagandha which increased ap-
preciably with the application of nutrient at different
rates through various sources like organic manures, inor-
ganic fertilizers along with micronutrient. Application of
100% recommended dose of NPK fertilizers + 2.5
ton·ha1 vermi-compost + 5.0 ton·ha1 FYM + 20 kg·ha1
ZnSO4 under T11 treatment obtained the maximum net
monetary returns (Rs. 38,270 ha1) followed by T14 treat-
ment receiving 50% recommended dose of NPK fertiliz-
ers + 2.5 ton·ha1 vermi-compost + 5.0 ton·ha1 FYM +
20 kg·ha1 ZnSO4 (Rs. 33,040 ha1) as compared to other
treatments perhaps due to proportionate increase in yield
parameters, root and seed yield. These findings are in
conformation with the results of [15,19]. Maheshwari et
al. [20] reported that the application of FYM 2.5 t/ha
along with 12.5 kg N + 25 kg P/ha, recorded the highest
dry root yield, net return and benefit-cost ratio of Ashwa-
gandha (JA-134) under rainfed condition.
4.5. Profitability
Profitability is represented by benefit-cost ratio of a par-
ticular treatment. It refers to monetary gain over each ru-
pee of investment under a particular treatment. The profi-
tability was the highest (2.66) under T11 treatment re-
ceiving 100% recommended dose of NPK fertilizers +
2.5 ton·ha1 vermi-compost + 5.0 ton·ha1 FYM + 20
kg/ha ZnSO4 followed by T14 treatment receiving 50%
recommended dose of NPK fertilizers + 2.5 t/ha vermi-
compost + 5.0 t/ha FYM + 20 kg/ha ZnSO4 due to more
returns per rupee of investment. However, the reverse
was true in case of other treatments. These findings are in
the confirmation with the results of [16,17].
5. Acknowledgements
We express our sincere and profound gratitude to Dr. S.
S. Tomar, Director of Research Services, and Dr. Moni
Thomas, Senior Scientist (Entomology), Directorate of
research Services, JNKVV, Jabalpur for their valuable
cooperation, support and encouragement during the pre-
sent research work.
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Abbreviation: INM—Integrated Nutrient Management;
DAS—Days after Sowing; NPK—Nitrogen, Phosphorus,
Potassium; *100% NPK (RDF)—40:20:20 kg/ha;
**FYM—Farm Yard Manure; ***NOC—Neem Oil Cake;
RDF—Recommended Dose of Fertilizer; m-Meter, asl-
above sea level, T1-T14-Treatments.