Economic and Agronomic Evaluation of Okra (Abelmoschus Esculentus L.) Under Different Sowing Dates and Varieties in Chitwan, Nepal

Abstract

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) is an important vegetable crop in Nepal; however, its productivity and profitability are considerably affected by inappropriate sowing time and insect pest infestation, particularly okra jassid (Amrasca biguttula biguttula Ishida). The present study was conducted at the Horticulture Farm of Agriculture and Forestry University, Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal, from April to August 2021 to evaluate the agronomic and economic performance of different sowing dates and okra varieties. The experiment was arranged in a two-factor factorial randomized complete block design with three replications, consisting of three sowing dates (April 13, April 25, and May 8) and three varieties (Arka Anamika, NOH-05, and Venus). The results revealed that sowing date significantly influenced the growth, yield, and profitability of okra. The May 8 sowing produced the highest plant height (42.63 cm), fruit yield (11.82 mt ha⁻¹), gross return (NRs. 1,182,000 ha⁻¹), net return (NRs. 732,250 ha⁻¹), and benefit–cost ratio (2.63). Among the tested varieties, NOH-05 recorded the highest fruit yield (11.18 mt ha⁻¹) and benefit–cost ratio (2.25). Regression analysis showed a significant negative relationship between leaf damage score and fruit yield (R2=0.5885, p<0.05), suggesting that increased jassid damage substantially reduced crop productivity. The findings indicate that delayed sowing during early May, together with cultivation of the NOH-05 variety, can improve yield, reduce pest-related damage, and enhance profitability under the subtropical conditions of Nepal. The study highlights the importance of optimizing sowing time and varietal selection as a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable approach for improving okra production. .