Comparative economic analysis of potato production in Western Bhutan-conventional versus in-conversion to organic

Abstract

Bhutan has embraced an organic vision to promote sustainable agricultural practices, aiming to improve food security, alleviate poverty, reduce import dependency, and improve rural livelihoods. To address challenges faced in real-world farming scenarios and its associated costs and benefits, this study compared the economic performances of potato production in conventional and in-conversion to organic farming systems under farmers’ actual practices and conditions. Experimental trials were conducted in Kumbu Village in Gangtey under Wangdue Phodrang District, covering 0.29 and 0.53 hectares for conventional and in-conversion to organic farms, respectively. The benefit-cost ratio was used to assess the profitability, while yield estimates were obtained using the crop-cut method. An independent sample t-test assessed yield differences, and tuber size was analyzed using a two-way ANOVA. Findings revealed productivities of 21,093.75 kg ha−1 for conventional and 14,801.59 kg ha−1 for in-conversion to organic farms. Conventional farms gained a net income of 51,842.33 Nu ha−1 while in-conversion to organic farms incurred a net loss of −294,052.69 Nu ha−1. The benefit-cost ratio was 1.18 for conventional and 0.45 for in-conversion to organic farms. The study recommends policy interventions such as subsidies, market access, and targeted training and awareness programs to support farmers in an effective transition to organic farming.