Optimization and economic validation of year-round cropping sequences under naturally ventilated polyhouse in the northwestern Himalayas of India

Protected cultivation of vegetables is a vital tool to cultivate vegetables even during weather extremities. . In the era of market-driven production system, suitable cropping sequence of high value vegetables is the most important aspect to get more benefit per unit of area. Moreover a viable cropping sequence by considering off seasonality and market demand will play significant role in making farming more profitable particularly for small and marginal farmers. The objective of this study was to evaluate the production efficiency and economic viability of six high-value vegetable cropping sequences (CS) to ensure round-the-year production in a naturally ventilated polyhouse in the mid-hill zone of Himachal Pradesh, India. The treatments were evaluated in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Cropping sequence CS1 was Cherry Tomato – Parthenocarpic Cucumber – Lettuce, which was compared against five other sequences (CS2 to CS6). Significant differences were observed for cumulative yield, production efficiency, and benefit: cost ratio among the tested sequences. Cherry tomato, tomato, lettuce, and cucumber were identified as the major determinants for yield, whereas broccoli and snow peas demonstrated minimum yield potential. Crop Sequence 1 (CS1) recorded the highest cumulative production (708.06) and production efficiency (2.36). Crucially, CS1 also yielded the highest Net Return (₹24,553.73/100 m2) and a Benefit: Cost Ratio (B:C ratio) of 4.75. This was followed by CS4: Broccoli – Cherry Tomato – Parthenocarpic Cucumber (B:C ratio 4.14). The minimum profit and lowest B:C ratio (3.22) were recorded in CS2: Lettuce – Tomato – Parthenocarpic Cucumber. Based on superior performance across production and economic metrics, the cropping sequence CS1 is recommended as the most profitable system for continuous polyhouse production in the region.