Plant Nursery as an Alternative Agricultural Practice: A case study in the Koch Bihar District, West Bengal, India

A plant nursery, a farming practice for producing seedlings under favourable conditions, presents a viable alternative for forestry, horticulture, and agricultural development and can enhance income generation and socio-economic progress for farmers in the Koch Bihar district of West Bengal. This study aimed to investigate plant nurseries as an alternative agricultural system and assess their impact on environmental protection, soil and water quality, farmer profitability, and overall quality of life. Evaluating both seasonal and permanent nurseries, data were collected from farm adopters through structured questionnaires and interviews and analyzed using cost-benefit analysis and descriptive statistics. The results demonstrated that plant nursery farming significantly enhances profitability, income generation, socio-economic development, and employment opportunities, leading to an overall improvement in the living standards of the adopters. This study highlights the novelty of plant nurseries as a significant driver for socio-economic change, suggesting that policies promoting this practice can lead to improved living standards and increased employment, establishing it as a profitable and sustainable alternative agricultural venture.