International Journal of Agriculture Extension and Social Development

Nursery enterprise plays a vital role in supporting horticulture, agriculture, landscaping, and forestry by providing quality planting material. The study was conducted in the Konkan region of Maharashtra, by selecting 30 sample nurseries from Ratnagiri district. The research aimed to analyse the cost returns, profitability, and overall viability of nursery enterprise. The data was collected through personal interviews using structured schedules for the reference year 2023-24. The study on 30 nurseries in Ratnagiri district (2023-24) revealed that nursery enterprises are highly profitable. On average, each nursery prepared 81,079 grafts/seedlings, of which 58,167 were sold, generating an income of Rs 82.90 lakh. Coconut, Mango and Cashew were the dominant crops, contributing over 90% of total income. Coconut gave the highest income (Rs 42.83 lakh), while Mango and Cashew provided balanced returns. Total cost per farm was Rs 25.44 lakh, resulting in a net profit of Rs 57.46 lakh. Profitability indicators were favourable: overall BCR = 1.44. Black pepper (1.99) and Nutmeg (1.88) showed the highest efficiency, while Coconut had the highest net returns despite a lower BCR (1.31). The break-even point was 7,863 grafts, much lower than actual sales, confirming strong economic viability. Coconut, Mango and Cashew are the most profitable crops, while Nutmeg, Black Pepper and Ornamental plants offer good efficiency for small-scale nurseries. Nursery enterprises in Konkan prove to be a low-capital, high-return activity with significant potential for income generation.