Comparative Cost Analysis of Vegetable Crops under Different Irrigation Systems in Small Scale Farms of Assam

This study evaluates the cost-effectiveness and water efficiency of four irrigation systems-Surface Drip Irrigation (SD), Sub-Surface Perforated Pipe Irrigation (SSPP), Flood Irrigation (FL) and Sub-Surface Drip Irrigation (SSD) for vegetable cultivation in small-scale farms in Assam, India. Focusing on cauliflower and turnip cabbage (kohlrabi), the analysis employs key metrics such as Irrigation Water Productivity (IWP), Benefit-Cost Ration (BCR), Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR) and Payback Period (PBP). Results indicate that SSPP achieves the highest water efficiency (IWP: 159.26 kg/m³ for cauliflower), while SD and SSD offer superior economic returns with shorter payback periods (3.10–4.18 years) and higher NPVs. Despite its lower short-term profitability, SSPP emerges as a sustainable solution for Assam’s water-scarce conditions during dry season from November to March. The study highlights the trade-offs between economic viability and water conservation, advocating for tailored irrigation strategies to enhance agricultural sustainability in fragmented landholdings. These findings underscore the need for strategic irrigation choices to balance productivity, cost-efficiency and water sustainability in fragmented agricultural landscapes like Assam.