AgriScience Journal of Sustainable Agriculture and Agroecology
Rain Shelter Cultivation Doubles Tomato Income in Monsoon-Af-fected Assam, India
Abstract
Bhaskar Pathak and Munindra Kakati
Background: Tomato cultivation in Assam faces significant monsoon-related challenges including excessive rainfall, high humidity, and disease outbreaks, resulting in substantial yield losses and economic instability for smallholder farmers.
Objective: This study evaluates the comparative effectiveness of Rain Shelter Method (RSM) versus Traditional Method (TM) on tomato productivity, profitability, and technology adoption in Assam’s agro-climatic conditions.
Methods: A paired-plot experimental design was conducted across 480 demonstration plots (240 RSM, 240 TM) covering 60 hectares in Marangi and Gomariguri blocks over three consecutive seasons (2019-2021). Each plot measured 0.125 hectare. Statistical analyses included paired t-tests, Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, and effect size calculations.
Results: RSM demonstrated significantly superior performance with yields of 30,371-31,657 kg/ha compared to TM’s 22,290-24,098 kg/ha (p < 0.001). Net income under RSM (�?�597,583-�?�621,217/ha) was 2.2 times higher than TM (�?�270,532-�?�289,388/ha). Effect sizes were large (Cohen’s d = 3.97-5.26), indicating practical significance. Benefit-cost ratios exceeded 9.0 for RSM versus 5.4-5.9 for TM. Technology index values (1.71%-5.83%) demonstrated efficient technology transfer potential.
Conclusion: RSM provides a viable climate-resilient solution for enhancing tomato productivity and farmer incomes in monsoon-affected regions. The substantial yield improvements and economic benefits support policy interventions promoting protected cultivation adoption.
