Organic and Conventional Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) Production in Mymensingh District of Bangladesh: A Comparative Profitability Analysis

Abstract

This study aimed to compare the financial aspects of commercial organic and conventional tomato cultivation in the Mymensingh District. For this study, 30 farmers who farm organically and 30 farmers who farm conventionally were chosen randomly. Data were gathered using a semi-structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and statistical packages. Tk. 112642.00 and Tk. 121773.00 were estimated per acre costs for tomato production in organic and conventional farms, respectively. Tk. 230123.00 and Tk. 231120.00 were the gross returns per acre from tomato production in organic and conventional farms, respectively. Although conventional tomato farms had higher costs and revenue per acre than organic farms, organic tomato farming had a higher Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR). According to the BCR, organic tomato farming is more profitable than conventional tomato farming. The study also identified some constraints that farmers faced in organic and conventional tomato farming, primarily related to production and marketing. The strength of organic tomato producers was their income and employment opportunities. The main threats are a high incidence of disease and price fluctuations in the market. It is suggested that organic tomato farming be practiced.