Economic and ecological comparison of organic and non-organic farming: a case of green economy in Nepal
by Pabitra Aryal; Dinesh Raj Bhuju; Resham Bahadur Thapa-Parajuli; Scott J. Meiners
International Journal of Green Economics (IJGE), Vol. 9, No. 3/4, 2015

Abstract: Farmers in Kathmandu Valley and its periphery traditionally practised organic farming but switched to non-organic after the advent of chemical fertilisers in search of better production. This study was an attempt to assess economic and environmental differences between organic and non-organic farming practices using a case study from Bhaktapur, a city near Kathmandu, Nepal. Methodology included economic comparisons, assessment of soil chemical parameters and weed biodiversity. It also explored market demand for organic product and consumer's willingness to pay. The survey showed that the average financial benefit from organic vegetable products was less than from non-organic farming while organic farming was more beneficial in environmental value. Furthermore, market demand for organic products was moderate while that of non-organic products was higher (seller's perception). Consumer is willing to pay a premium for organic products. Finally, the study found the environmental and social pillars were comparatively stronger than the economic in GE perspective.

Online publication date: Mon, 07-Mar-2016

The full text of this article is only available to individual subscribers or to users at subscribing institutions.

 
Existing subscribers:
Go to Inderscience Online Journals to access the Full Text of this article.

Pay per view:
If you are not a subscriber and you just want to read the full contents of this article, buy online access here.

Complimentary Subscribers, Editors or Members of the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Green Economics (IJGE):
Login with your Inderscience username and password:

    Username:        Password:         

Forgotten your password?


Want to subscribe?
A subscription gives you complete access to all articles in the current issue, as well as to all articles in the previous three years (where applicable). See our Orders page to subscribe.

If you still need assistance, please email subs@inderscience.com