Summary
This study uses Propensity Score Matching to estimate the causal impact of biofertilizer adoption on productivity and income in large cardamom organic farming systems in Sikkim, India. Regular biofertilizer adopters achieved yields of 486.2 kg/ha versus 452.7 kg/ha for partial users, with lower production costs and net returns 11% higher (INR-3,10,660/ha vs INR-2,78,730/ha). After controlling for selection bias, biofertilizer adoption increased net returns by INR-27,460/ha, demonstrating both productivity and economic benefits within organic farming systems.
Regional applicability
The findings are directly applicable to hilly and mountainous organic farming regions with similar agroecological conditions to Sikkim. In the United Kingdom, whilst large cardamom is not a commercial crop, the methodological approach and findings on biofertiliser cost-efficiency and yield impacts may inform organic certification schemes and support decisions in temperate horticulture and specialty crops.
Key measures
Crop yield (kg/ha), total cultivation costs (INR/ha), net returns (INR/ha), benefit-cost ratio, adoption status (regular vs. partial/irregular users)
Outcomes reported
The study measured the causal impact of biofertilizer adoption on crop yield, cultivation costs, net returns, and benefit-cost ratio in large cardamom farming. Propensity Score Matching was used to quantify the net income gain from regular biofertilizer adoption after controlling for selection bias.
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