Abstract

                                The study analyzed the input use patterns, soil nutrient status, costs, and returns of brinjal under organic and conventional production systems in Tamil Nadu. Purposive sampling was employed to select the sample respondents. A total of 86 respondents were selected for the present study. Soil samples were analysed to examine the nutrient status in both the organic and conventional fields. The results showed that the amount spent (Rs.15389 /ha) on inorganic inputs by conventional farmers was found to be higher than an organic inputs spent by organic farmers. The analysis of soil nutrient status in both the production systems revealed that the availability of total major nutrient was higher in organic fields ranging from 34-53 per cent over conventional fields. The total cost of cultivation of organic brinjal was lower in organic fields than conventional field by Rs. 15732/- per hectare. Yield was 1660 kg lower in organic farms than conventional farms. However, net return per ha from brinjal cultivation under organic methods was found to be higher than conventional method by Rs. 45981/-. This is mainly due to higher price for produce, and reduction in cost of cultivation. It is evident that organic farming helps to achieve higher profitability and also to enhance soil fertility due to the use organic inputs.

Key words : : Organic farming; Conventional farming; Input use; Soil nutrient status; Costs and Returns