Performance of Pearl Millet and Pulses Based Intercropping System under Rainfed Condition

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during rabi season of 2022 at Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences, Coimbatore to study the performance of different pearl millet-based intercropping with legumes under rainfed condition. Greengram (Vigna radiata), cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) and redgram (Cajanus Cajan) were sown as intercrops in replacement series of 4:1 and 6:1 row ratio. The result of the study indicated that intercropping of blackgram and redgram with pearl millet in 4:1 gave higher total grain yield (25503.0 kg/ha) and stover yield (4927.1 kg/ha) compared to the sole cropping of pearl millet under rainfed condition. Other intercropping indices like grain equivalent yield, land equivalent ratio, relative crowding coefficient, competition index and income equivalent ratio were calculated. Intercropping system of pearl millet + blackgram (4:1) recorded the higher net returns (Rs. 81,621/ha) and B:C ratio (2.42).