Effect of Organic Manures and Natural Farming on Quality and Economics of Carrot

The objective of the experiment was to examine the effects of organic manures and natural farming on the quality and economics of carrots. It was conducted at the research farm of the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Centre of Excellence for Organic Farming of CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, during the rabi season. Three replications and eight treatments were included in the RBD design of the experiment. Three different organic manures were applied: FYM, vermicompost, poultry manure and in combination with biofertilizer (Azatobacter and PSB). Treatment of cow based bio-formulations (Ghanajeevamrit and Jeevamrit) and control was also included as treatment where no biofertilizer and manure were used. The study revealed significant improvements in almost all quality attributes due to the combined application of organic manures along with biofertilizer. Among different treatments, vermicompost + biofertilizer surpassed all other treatments by giving maximum root yield (283.4 qha-1), maximum content of the total sugar (8.79%), reducing sugar (4.09%), non-reducing sugar (4.64%), TSS (11.5°Brix) and Chlorophyll content in leaves (4.37 nmol cm-2). Also, the treatment vermicompost + biofertilizer gave maximum gross return (Rs. 425100 ha-1), net return (Rs. 232873 ha-1), and Benefit Cost ratio (2.21). It was also observed during the study that control treatment showed lowest findings among all the treatments.