Analysis of financial viability of long term investment in date orchards in Balochistan.

摘要

This study was undertaken in Kech (Turbat) district of Balochistan (Pakistan) and information was gathered from 70 date [Phoenix dactylifera] growers. To find out the financial viability of long-term investment in date orchards: internal rate of return (IRR) and benefit cost ratio (B:C) analysis was carried out. The return on investment in date orchards was determined and found significantly high i.e., the IRR was 17% with lucerne as intercrop and 15% with wheat as intercrop while the B:C ratio was 1:1.71 with lucerne as intercrop and 1:1.53% with wheat as intercrop against the current rate of interest of 12% on agricultural loans. No orchards were found without intercrop as intercrops were considered as main source of liquidity for farmers all over the year. It was found that 40 years was the peak period of date tree production, after that it reduces output and produces low quality of fruit..