Benefit-cost analysis of raising Pinus wallichiana seedlings in different capacities/sizes of root trainers in the nursery

Modern nursery methods of seedling production in different sized root trainers, were compared by raising seedlings of Pinus wallichiana involving costs incurred and benefits received. In order to provide a common basis for the comparisons, the study involved the raising of 1000 seedlings annually on a continuous basis for seven years. A relative economic analysis of raising P. wallichiana seedlings in 300, 150 and 100 cm³ root trainers was carried out and we estimated that the root trainers of 300 cm³ capacity recorded the highest total input cost of Rs. 35571 and Rs. 40018 for 1000 seedlings produced annually at discount rates of 12% and 6%. Seedlings raised in 100 cm³ root trainers recorded the lowest total input cost of Rs. 23390 and Rs. 27737 per 1000 seedlings annually at discount rates of 12% and 6%. Hence, returns per rupee invested in raising seedlings in the 100 cm³ root trainers accounted for the maximum benefit-cost ratio (i.e., 1.56 and 1.61) at discount rates of 12% and 6%. Thus seedlings raised in 100 cm³ and 150 cm³ root trainers were found to be most cost effective when compared with seedlings grown in 300 cm³ root trainers. The results can be attributed to the larger number of cells per tray (higher growth density) in the 100 and 150 cm³ root trainers, compared to the number of seedlings in the 300 cm³ root trainers.