Assessing Economic Viability of Woody Pepper (Piper pendulispicum C.DC) Nursery Production Using Serpentine Layering in Remote Areas of Andaman Islands, India

Sharath Yeligar¹ and Ajit Arun Waman^2*

¹Division of Animal Science, ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute, Sri Vijaya Puram, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India

²Division of Horticulture and Crop Improvement, ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute, Sri Vijaya Puram, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India

*Corresponding author’s e-mail: ajit.hort595@gmail.com

Abstract:

Woody pepper (Piper pendulispicum C.DC.) is a novel spice reported to occur in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal. This underutilized species has a great potential for agricultural diversification in these islands. However, the scarcity of quality planting material prevents its widespread adoption in other parts of the islands, which are remotely located but have good demand for these plants. In order to promote production of quality planting material locally in these far-flung islands, understanding the economic feasibility of the nursery venture is desired. Recently, serpentine layering was standardized for mass multiplication of woody pepper and the present study describes its economic feasibility in an inexpensive bamboo polyhouse. An estimated 6,916 rooted cuttings were produced each year in a model low-cost nursery with 260 mother plants housed in a 50 m² set up. Gross profits were ₹2.76 lakh, while the total cost of production (Cost C3) was ₹93,978.33. With a net present value of ₹1.82 lakh, it was clearly financially feasible. Profitability was further supported by the benefit-cost ratio of 2.94. Thus, serpentine layering of woody pepper was found to be a feasible and resource-efficient enterprise, which could improve access to planting material, reduce shipping costs, and create revenue opportunities under decentralized nursery production system in the Andaman Islands.The results are indicative estimates based on assumed conditions and should be interpreted with caution.

Keywords:

Benefit cost ratio; Bamboo polyhouse; Choi Jhaal; Entrepreneurship; Novel Spice

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