Evaluation of Potato-Based Crop Sequences for Crop Diversification in Malwa Region of Madhya Pradesh

Abstract

A study was conducted to evaluate different crop sequences under limited-period irrigation conditions at farmers' fields in four villages of Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh during 2007-08. Six crop sequences, viz., Soybean-Garlic, Soybean-Onion, Soybean-Wheat, Soybean-Potato, Green gram-Radish-Potato and Green gram-Potato-Wheat were compared. Results revealed that crop sequence had remarkable influence on various competition indices. Highest potato equivalent yield (506.25q/ha) was recorded in green-gram- radish-potato crop sequence, followed by soybeangarlic, green-gram-potato-wheat and soybean-potato crop sequences. Land Utilization Index (LUI) was highest in green-gram-potato-wheat crop sequence and minimum in soybean-garlic and soybean-potato (both at 0.64) crop sequences. Green-gram-radish-potato crop sequence attained highest production efficiency (200.89kg/ha per day). Highest cost of input, output and net returns were obtained in greengram-radish-potato crop sequence whereas, Cost: Benefit ratio was maximum under soybean-onion crop sequence, followed by soybean-wheat and green-gram-radishpotato sequence.