The present study was conducted in Haveli block of Poonch district of Jammu & Kashmir on prominent crop based systems (Maize-wheat, maize-oats) and horticulture based enterprises (plum orchard, pear orchard, pecan nut orchard and walnut orchard) to study the economics of traditional cropping systems vis-à-vis dominant horticulture based enterprises of the district. Ten progressive farmers following each crop based system viz traditional maize – wheat and maize-oats were randomly identified from five panchayats for the present study. Similarly ten Fruit grower following each dominant horticulture based systems viz. plum orchard, pear orchard, pecan nut orchard and walnut orchard were identified based on bench mark survey conducted by KVK-Poonch. Cost of cultivation and economics of each crop based systems and horticulture based enterprises were calculated to find relative profitability of each system/enterprise. The study revealed that pecan nut orchard exhibited the highest system economics in terms of gross returns (Rs. lakhs), net returns (Rs. lakhs) with benefit cost ratio of 1: which was substantially higher as compared to pear orchard (1:) followed by plum orchard (1:) and walnut orchards (1:). However lowest benefit cost ratio was recorded in maize-wheat (1:). | Pecan Nut (Carya illionesis) a potential future crop for enhancing farmers profitability in Poonch district of (J&K), India
