High-tech tomato farming: A study on economics and profitability in Chhattisgarh

The present study investigates the economics and profitability of tomato cultivation under high-tech farming conditions in the Chhattisgarh Plains. Using data from 240 sample farms across varying farm sizes, detailed cost and return analysis was conducted to assess economic viability. The overall cost of cultivation per hectare was estimated at Rs.286641.75 with variable costs comprising around 69.79 percent mainly contributed by manures and fertilizers, plant protection, and labour inputs. Fixed costs accounted for 30.24 percent, including depreciation and rental value of owned land. Among labour inputs, hired labour formed the major cost component. The total cost of cultivation varied slightly across farm sizes, with large farms incurring Rs.285714.08 per hectare and small farms Rs.288576.08 per hectare. Gross returns from tomato cultivation under high-tech conditions were calculated at Rs.936495 per hectare, resulting in a net return of Rs.713480/per hectare and an output-input ratio of 4.19. Break-even analysis revealed that the required yield to cover total cost was 148.68 quintals per hectare, while actual yields averaged 624.33 quintals per hectare. Offering a significant margin of safety at 76.19 percent. Profitability improved with scale, as larger polyhouses demonstrated higher economic efficiency. The study concludes that tomato cultivation under protected structures such as polyhouses and use high-technologies under farming highly profitable and economically sustainable, particularly when supported with proper input management and scale optimization.