Oryza in sativa) Eastern Ghats, Orissa

Abstract

Eight intercropping systems comprising 2 crop combinations, viz. rice (Oryza sativa L.) okra (Hibiscus esculentus) and rice radish (Raphanus sativus L.), 2 row ratios (2:l and 4:2) and 2 land configurations (level bed and ridge furrow) and 3 sole crops (rice, okra and radish) were grown during the rainy season of 1998, 1999 and 2000 at Phulbani, Orissa. Rice okra and rice radish intercropping systems gave mean rice equivalent yield of 62.20 and 40.34 qlha, i net return of Rs 19, 657 and Rs 9,918/ha, and return1 rupee investment of Rs. 2.82 and Rs 2.00 respectively. Planting rice in furrows and vegetables in ridges recorded rice equivalent yield of 54.85 qlha, net return of Rs 16, 0661ha and returnlrupee investment of Rs 2.45 compared with 47.67 qlha, Rs 13,510 and Rs 2.37 /Re from planting both on level bed. The 2 row ratios exhibited marginal difference s in rice equivalent yield, net return and returnlrupee investment. Rice okra (4:2) in ridge and furrow planting gave rice equivalent yield of 67.01 qlha, net return of Rs 21,4661ha and returnlrupee investment of Rs 2.89 compared with 28.01 qlha, Rs 5,1321ha and Rs 1.60/Re, respectively, from sole rice. Considering crop compatibility, intercultural advantages, yield and economics, this system may be advocated in place of sole rice in rainfed uplands. Key words 1 RaiAfed, Upland rice, Eastern Ghats, and equivalent ratio j.