Production and economics of winter sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) summer vegetables cropping sequences under irrigated conditions of western Maharashtra

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during the winter (rabi) and summer seasons of 1995 96 to 1997 98 at Rahuri, to study the production potential and ecobomics of (rabq sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) MoenchJ summer vegetable croljping sequences under irrigated conditions. Sorghum okra (Hibiscus esculentus L.) sequence gave the significantly highest sorghum grain equivalent yield (260.8 ha) and net monetary retums (Rs 110,678lha) with 95 cm irrigation water during the rabi and summer seasons, followed by sorghum brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) (204.59 qlha and Rs 82,0451ha) with 102 cm irrigation water. Next in order was sorghum chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) and lowest was in sorghum clusterbean [Cymopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taubert]. The highest consumptive use was recorded in sorghum okra (125 cm) but maximum water use efficiency of 174 kglha cm was recorded in sorghum brinjal. The per day productivity (Rs 440ldaylha) and retums per unit of water used (Rs 1,094lha cm) and benefit :cost ratio (5.17) were maximum in sorgum okra sequence. Optimum level of irrigation (at 80 mm CPE to sorghum and 60 mm CPE to vegetable) recorded the maximum sorghum grain equivalent yield and net returns than suboptimum (at 125 mm CPE to sorghum and 90 mm CPE to vegetables). The per day productivity was 32 % higher in optimum irrigation than suboptimum irrigation (Rs 262ldaylha).