Growth performance and yield of Bixa orellana L. (annatto) under organic management

Bixa orellana L. or Sindoor plant is a perennial shrub renowned for its bixin rich seeds, widely used in food, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. This study assessed its agronomic performance, seed quality and economic viability under subtropical conditions in Bihar, India, using organic cultivation practices. Among the pre-sowing treatments, scarification combined with warm water hydration achieved the highest germination (94.67 ± 0.93 %) with rapid emergence (12-14 days), followed by warm water hydration alone (80.33 ± 0.77 %). Treated seedlings showed vigorous growth, with the combined treatment producing the tallest seedlings (36.47 ± 0.76 cm), highest leaf number (6.0 ± 0.58) and 95 % survival. Phenological observations showed flowering at 310.0 ± 1.0 day and capsule maturity at 480.0 ± 2.0 days post transplanting. Mature mother plants yielded 3.5 ± 0.25 kg seeds per plant, equivalent to 4.5-6.0 t ha-1. Seeds contained moisture (8.53 ± 0.45 %), protein (12.20 ± 0.20 %), fat (5.13 ± 0.15 %), ash (3.43 ± 0.75 %) and fibre (9.20 ± 0.20 %). Bixin content averaged 3.63 ± 0.58 %, translating to 162-216 kg ha-1 pigment yield. Economic analysis indicated gross returns of Rs. 36-54 lakh ha-1 year-1 with a cost benefit ratio of 45:1- 67.5:1. The present study confirm that B. orellana L. performs reliably under subtropical agroecosystems, producing high seed and pigment yield with substantial profitability. The crop demonstrates strong potential as a sustainable, perennial cash crop for natural pigment industries and as a promising diversification option for farmers in organic production management.