Vol. 10, Special Issue 10 (2021)

Author(s):
K Navyasri, Ch Srilatha, K Suhasini and A Janaiah

Abstract:
The use of drip cum plastic mulch irrigation system in red chilli cultivation has been a recent development in major chilli growing districts of Telangana such as Khammam, Bhadradri Kothagudem and Warangal etc. Red chilli production can be increased by a combination of advanced production technologies like high yielding hybrids, mulching, application of growth regulators, staking, drip fertigation and integrated pest and disease management. Bringing more area under irrigation will largely depends on the water use efficiency. Balanced nutrition is most important factor affecting the growth and productivity of red chilli. The results indicated that the total cost C₃ of red chilli cultivation is Rs. 4,43,183.40, Rs. 4,03,109.80 and Rs. 3,33,476.02 per ha. under drip cum plastic mulch, drip and conventional irrigation systems respectively. The red chilli yield under drip cum plastic mulch irrigation technology is 65.91 q ha^-1 and 24.90 per cent and 39.88 per cent higher than the only drip and conventional systems respectively. Accordingly the net returns per hectare is about Rs. 3,68,608.32 on drip cum plastic mulch red chilli farms whereas it is about Rs. 1,41,889.70 on drip and Rs. 1,06,691.90 on conventional farms.