Yield and economics of mango based multi species cropping system in Bastar Plateau of Chattisgarh.

Abstract

The yield pattern, crop compatibility, and economics of monocropping and intercropping mango with ginger (Zingiber officinale cv. Suprabha), bay leaf (Cinnamomum tamala cv. Potangi sel) and pepper (Piper nigrum cv. Panniyur-1) as ground, first and second story crop, respectively, were studied at the Zonal Agricultural Research Station of Indira Gandhi Agricultural University, Bastar, Chhattisgarh, India, during the 1995/96-1999/2000 seasons. The results revealed that during the years when crop load of mango was optimum, good returns were obtained. However, during the years when there was no crop of mango, returns were negative. Under such situation, mixed cropping system was beneficial. Integration of understorey crops did not affect the main crop yield of mango and followed similar yield trend as monocrop of mango. On an average, the gross and net returns were more by 3.41 and 2.45 times in mixed cropping, respectively, compared to monocropping of mango. Ginger proved to be an encouraging crop. The percentage contribution by ginger during the different periods of investigation varied between 25.46-49.65%, while 158.65% contribution was recorded when there was no crop load of mango. Mixed cropping generated income over a period of seven months (January-July) and gainful employment for family members all the year round.