The Economics of Dahlia (Dahlia variabilis L.) Cultivation in The Low Hill Conditions of Himachal Pradesh

An investigation on ” The economics of dahlia (Dahlia variabilis L.) cultivation in the low hill conditions of Himachal Pradesh,” was conducted at RHRTS Dhaulakuan, Himachal Pradesh, from 2021 to 2023. This study intended to observe the impact of planting dates on the benefit-cost ratio of five Dahlia cultivars. Trial was conducted in a Randomized Block Design (Factorial) to study three planting dates for each cultivar, consequential in 15 treatment combinations. The economic analysis evaluated expenses related to cultivation, total income, profits after deductions and the ratio of benefits to expenditures. The ‘Matungini’ crop, transplanted on October 15th, presented the superlative yield of cut flower stems and tubers, subsequent in significant gross income. Net profits were diverse despite steady input costs with ‘Matungini’ reaching the peak on October 15th. The benefit-cost ratio reached a value of 2.83. The results highlight the economic significance of choosing suitable cultivars and planting dates to enhance Dahlia cultivation in low hill areas.