Influence of rice (Oryza sativa)wheat (Triticum aestivum) system diversification on productivity and profitability under Garhwal Himalayan region

Abstract

The experiment was conducted at 12 farmers fields during 200910 and 201011 to find out the alternate effi- cient cropping systems in rice (Oryza sativa L.)wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cropping system in Garhwal Himalayas. Five cropping systems including the existing ricewheatfallow cropping system were tested at 12 farmers fields as researcher designed farmer managed trials. Highest rice-equivalent yield (26.45 t/ha) was re- corded with the ricevegetable pea (Pisum sativum L.)vegetable Frenchbean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cropping system and it was followed by riceIndian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czernj. & Cosson]blackgram [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper] (16.0 t/ha), ricemustardgreengram [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] (14.97 t/ha) and ricewheat + Indian mustardfallow (10.43 t/ha) cropping systems. Highest net returns ( 236.7 thousand/ha) was also re- corded under ricevegetable peavegetable Frenchbean system and it was followed by riceIndian mustard blackgram ( 115.5 thousand/ha), riceIndian mustardgreengram ( 109.5 thousand/ha). The highest benefit: cost ratio (2.74) was recorded with ricevegetable peavegetable Frenchbean cropping system. The highest in- crease in net profit over the traditional ricewheat cropping system ( 150.8 thousand/ha) was recorded under the ricevegetable peavegetable Frenchbean cropping system