Effect of different protected structures on yield and economics of sweet pepper at farmers’ field level

Farmers in Punjab use different types of material for protecting crops from adverse weather condition under lowtunnel technology of solanaceous and cucurbitaceous crops to fetch better profit margin according to cost of protecting material. Study was conducted to evaluate the effect of different types of protected structures on yield and economics of sweet pepper in three adopted villages of Krishi Vighan Kendra, Jalandhar, Punjab in Numahal block of the district during 2017–18 and 2018–19. The pooled data collected on various parameters under study viz days to first fruit harvest, number of fruits per plant, fruit weight, early yield, harvesting span and total yield during two years showed significant differences amongst treatments under study. The early as well as total yield was recorded maximum in the treatment use of polythene sheet (50 micron) followed by use of frost protection sheet (degradable) and use of polythene sheet (20 micron). The maximum B-C ratio was also recorded in the treatment use of polythene sheet (50 micron) (3.37) and use of frost protection sheet (degradable) (3.34) which were statistically at par with each other. But cost of cultivation was less in the latter as compared to the former treatment. From overall performance of the treatments used, use of protection sheet (degradable) is suggested to be feasible treatment at farmers’ level.