Could irrigation of potatoes grown for processing be economically feasible if high capacity wells are the source of water?

Return on investment is one of the most important factors in the adaptation of agricultural irrigation. The main objective of this paper was to explore whether irrigation of potatoes grown for processing in Prince Edward Island is economically viable if high capacity wells are used as a source of water. Irrigation data collected in Prince Edward Island for three processing potato varieties between 1996 and 2017 has been analysed and compiled into a summary of incremental cash flows. This study examined one-time purchase and installation of an irrigation system and its annual operating costs. A discounted payback calculation has been completed to determine the period required to recover the initial capital costs. Although there are limitations to the accuracy of income and cost estimation due to differences between farming operations, the calculations show that fixed costs could be recovered within 15 years