Input–Output Energy Analysis of Rainfed Rice-Based Cropping Systems in Eastern India

Abstract

Crop and cultivar diversification in cropping systems may improve crop productivity and energy efficiency along with the sustainability of agricultural production in eastern India, but the choices may be made based on the cropping area. This study was conducted to examine the energy input–output relationship, energy requirement, and system productivity of rainfed rice (Oryza sativa L.) based cropping systems (Swarna rice–Annada rice–black gram [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper var. mungo], Naveen rice–toria [Brassica rapa L. ssp. dichotoma (Roxb.) Hanelt]–horse gram [Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.) Verdc.], Swarna rice–toria–coriander [Coriandrum sativum L.], Gayatri rice–green gram [Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek var. radiata], Swarna rice–green gram, and Naveen rice–black gram–horse gram) in the eastern part of India. Results of the study revealed that the Swarna rice–toria–coriander system consumed the highest total energy input (24,546 MJ ha–1), whereas the Swarna rice–green gram (15,543 MJ ha–1) system was the most energy-efficient system. Among all the energy inputs, fertilizer consumed the highest share (45–58%), followed by land preparation (19–24%) and labor (18–23%). The Gayatri rice–green gram system produced the highest energy output (183,006 MJ ha–1), which was at a par with the energy production of the Naveen rice–toria–horse gram system (179,788 MJ ha–1). Systems such as Naveen rice–toria–horse gram, Gayatri rice–green gram, and Naveen rice–black gram–horse gram appeared to be most suitable for resource-poor farmers for their higher energy use efficiency, energy productivity, and system productivity.