Benefit cost ratio analysis of organic and inorganic rice crop production; evidence from district Sheikhupura in Punjab Pakistan

Most of the farmers in Pakistan are unaware of the long term benefits of organic farming due to many reasons and they prefer quantity instead of quality. The present study was carried out to evaluate the benefits and costs associated with organic farming of rice in comparison with inorganic farming. The benefit cost ratio (BCR) of organic and inorganic rice crop was calculated in district Sheikhupura on per acre basis. Stratified random sampling technique was used to collect data from three zones of the study area. Sixty respondents were selected for the collection of data regarding crop husbandry practices along with their costs and yield. The study revealed that per acre cost of production of organic rice was 21.5 percent lower than that of inorganic rice while the gross income received from one acre of organic rice was 15 percent lower as compared to inorganic rice. On the other hand, Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR) of organic rice was 1.147 while it was 1.044 for inorganic rice. The study showed encouraging results for the cultivation of organic rice in the long run keeping in view the environmental and cultural aspects. The study also showed the desirability of R & D in terms of capacity building, development of resistance against insects, pests and diseases and exploring ways and means for the promotion of green agriculture to compete the ever-increasing competition in a globalized world.