Exploring the Profitability and Adoption Puzzle: A Case Study of Organic & Inorganic Farming Systems in Khanpur Village, North 24 Parganas, West Bengal
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25175/jrd/2026/v45/i1/174233Keywords:
organic farming, cost-benefit analysis, farm profitability, adoption barriers, socioeconomic status, perception of farmers, Theory of Planned Behaviour modelAbstract
Organic farming is consistently endorsed as a sustainable option instead of conventional or chemicaloriented farming to combat human health hazards and environmental contamination. Yet, its economic viability and adoption among farmers are still contested. This study examines the cost-benefit aspects of the three most important vegetable crops in the study region with respect to acreage: pointed gourd, ridge gourd, and papaya. The study is based on a field survey of all organic farmers existing in the study village (n=22) and 63 conventional farmers located in the same village in Deganga CD block of North 24 Parganas in West Bengal. Using cost of cultivation estimations, the elements of cost structures are compared between organic and inorganic farming practices, which reveal that although the cost of cultivation is higher for the farmer, the net market price is also higher, leading to profitability in organic vegetable cultivation. But lower yield levels of organic farming and distant location of markets, which are typically located near non-rural, urban-based customers, are two major factors that discourage organic farming adoption. This paper also undertakes a perception study drawing from the Theory of Planned Behaviour for both groups of farmers to understand the aspects that have given rise to the paradox of higher profitability in organic farming and persistent disinterest of farmers to transform their farming techniques in favour of organic farming.
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