Economic Evaluation of Papaya Cultivation under Drip and Flood Irrigation Systems in Bellary District, Karnataka

Papaya (Carica papaya) is a high-value horticultural crop cultivated extensively in tropical and subtropical regions due to its rapid growth, high productivity, and nutritional significance. Efficient water management is critical for maximizing yield and profitability, especially in water-scarce regions like the Bellary district of Karnataka. The present study evaluates the economic performance of papaya cultivation under drip and flood irrigation systems, focusing on establishment cost, operational cost, yield, water usage, and net returns. Primary data were collected from 80 randomly selected farmers (40 under drip irrigation and 40 under flood irrigation), and partial budgeting was employed for economic comparison. Results indicate that although drip irrigation involves higher initial costs, it leads to significantly higher yields (42.32 t/acre vs. 30.26 t/acre) and net returns (?2,21,198.96 vs. ?1,38,399.93 per acre) compared to flood irrigation. The benefit-cost ratio was higher under drip irrigation (1.48) than under flood irrigation (1.10). The analysis highlights the economic viability of drip irrigation in papaya cultivation under semi-arid conditions, supporting its promotion for improving water productivity and farm profitability.