Economic Viability of Tomato Cultivation in Organic Farming System

Abstract

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the economic viability of tomato cultivation in a system of organic farming, and to compare it with the conventional farming system. The fixed and variable costs of both cultivation systems were calculated, as well as the costs of disease control with the application of alternative products and pesticides. The revenues were computed using commercial production and the direct sales price. The total cost per area was higher in the conventional system, while the cost per plant was greater in the organic system, since it used a lower plant population density. In the conventional system, 2.33 times more was spent on plant management, due to the fact that the number of sprayings was greater than that carried out in organic farming. We further find that companion planting with other species such as coriander, in addition to helping with the management of the main crop, is important for economic sustainability as it is an extra source of income. Considering the specificities of the two systems, the profitability of organic cultivation, even accounting for its lower productivity , could exceed that of conventional cultivation.

Feasibility of Growing Selected Vegetables in Hanging Sac With Different Levels of Manure

“…However, Keskin et al (2010) informed that high labor cost increased total tomato production cost in turkey that was comparable with this finding. Also, per plant tomato production cost was higher in the organic system over conventional one reported by Santos et al (2017). As par brinjal, Muqtadir et al (2019) reported similar findings where they stated that okra yield increased by more organic and less inorganic fertilizer combination.…”

Comparing the Economic Effects of Open Field and Protected Area Organic Tomato Cultivation Systems

“…there is no need to hire seasonal workers, even during the harvest period, as the total yield of organic tomatoes is relatively low. At the same time, the tomato harvest extends over a period of four to six weeks, which allows for a more even distribution of labor compared to other productions (Santos Neto et al, 2017, Vanitha et al, 2018. Machine requirements are minimal for the defined models.…”

“…This production risk is particularly pronounced in organic farming given the limited options for yield protection. There is a gap in the existing literature regarding the analysis and comparison of the economic impact of organic tomato production in the open field and in the greenhouse (Santos Neto et al, 2017). The literature search conducted revealed a few papers that considered the economics of organic tomato production.…”

“…The literature search conducted revealed a few papers that considered the economics of organic tomato production. Previous research has mainly focused on comparing the economic effects of organic and conventional cultivation (Engyndenyz & Tuzel, 2002, Luz et al, 2007, Santos Neto et al, 2017, Abebe et al, 2022, while only two papers were found analyzing the economics of organic tomato cultivation in a protected area (Engyndenyz & Tuzel, 2002, Nian et al, 2022.…”