An economic appraisal of commercial horticultural nurseries in central Tamil Nadu

Horticultural nurseries play a vital role in supplying high-quality planting materials, which are necessary for sustainable agricultural and economic growth, are mostly supplied by horticultural nurseries. Considering these, the nurseries from small level to big enterprise it is being established. In this context, an effort has been taken to assess the worthiness of establishing the nurseries in the city front particularly in Tiruchirappalli city. On undertaking preliminary investigation, the Department of Horticulture and Plantation Crops has established its own retail unit in the town near Thiruvanaikaval to meet the requirements of the consumers focusing from inputs, small implements, indoor plants, outdoor plants and Coconut saplings. Though they operate with different varieties, few are gaining importance in sales and revenue generation. Such plants and their contribution to gross income are discussed in detail. However, being the Government maintained nursery, it could generate the output – input ratio only to the level of 1.20 indicated that the nursery is run not for profit earning but for providing service to the city dwellers of Tiruchirappalli City. Though there were certain constraints to the consumers, few strategic actions are immediately needed to facilitate and facelift the nursery which will attract the consumers further.