Directorate of Research Services, Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Jabalpur
Turmeric cultivation is cost intensive. It has a long gestation period from planting to processing and sale. The present research tried to reduce the cost without compromising the yield and net returns. Five turmeric varieties/ cultivar were evaluated in 45kg bio-fertilizer enriched substrate filled in polypropylene bags (PPBs). Among 162 PPBs with turmeric, 81 PPB had green coriander along with turmeric. The turmeric yield in PPBs with green coriander varied from 658.66g to 1776.69g, while in PPBs with only turmeric, it varied from 810g to 1674.17g. PPBs without green coriander had to do two hand weedings which was saved due to coriander grown in other set of PPBs. The total income from PPBs with turmeric and green coriander varied from Rs. 98.80 to Rs. 205.33, in contrast to Rs. 78.00 to Rs. 164.42 per PPB with only turmeric. Growing crops in PPB prevents nutrient leaching, spread of rhizome rot and weed growth, besides also reduces cost of land preparation and inter-culture operation.