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In order to evaluate the effect of irrigation levels (25, 75, 125, 175 and 225% of pan evaporation replenishment) and lateral spacing (0.5 and 1.0 m) on marketable yield, irrigation production efficiency and economic return of cabbage under drip irrigation system and semi arid climate, a field experiment was conducted at the Irrigation Research Farm of Allahabad, India. The study was carried out during the winter crop growing season of 2009-2010 (Nov. to March) on clay loam soil. The highest mean marketable yield of cabbage (90.51 t/ha) during crop growing season was recorded when irrigation was applied at 175% of pan evaporation replenishment with 1.0 m lateral spacing due to the higher mean head weight (2.26 kg). A further increase in irrigation amount resulting from 225% of pan evaporation replenishment reduces the marketable yield significantly due to significant reduction in mean head weight (2.15 kg). Irrigation at 25% of pan evaporation replenishment gave the higher irrigation production efficiency (61.59 kg/m3) with 1.0 m lateral spacing. It decreases significantly with increase in irrigation level. Minimum irrigation production efficiency was recorded with 225% of pan evaporation replenishment (13.36 kg/m3) with 0.5 m lateral spacing because it increases seasonal water applied considerably but decreases the marketable yield. Irrigation at 175% of pan evaporation replenishment and 1.0 m lateral spacing resulted in higher gross return (271530 Rs/ha), net return (210972 Rs/ha) and benefit cost ratio (4.48). In spite of high initial investment, drip irrigation method is highly profitable for cabbage production with 1.0 m lateral spacing.