Production potential and economic feasibility of sunflower (Helianthus annuus) based intercropping systems under different seeding .methods in rice fallow land

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during the early spring season of 1996 and 1997 at Baruipur to evaluate the feasibility of intercropping greengram (Vigna radiatus L.), blackgram (Vigna mungo L.) and sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) under different seeding methods in rice fallow Gangetic alluvial land. Paired-row planting (30160 cm) of sunflower intercropped with greengram (1 row) resulted in maximum sunflower-seed equivalent (1 8.78 ql ha), monetary advantage (Rs 3,555/ha), net return (Rs 7,5491ha) and income- equivalent ratio (1.1 6). The same treatment also accounted for maximum land equivalent ratio (1.31), area-time equivalent ration (1.I 5) and greater product of + . crowding coefficient (K, 3.93) with moderate aggressivity factor (+ 1.42) and higher benefit-cost ratio (1.00) and relative net return (Rs 1.29) which proved the most efficient.