Response of improved resource levels over traditional practices on the productivity and economics of different cropping sequences

Abstract

The field experiment was conducted fdc four consecutive years of 1993-94 to 1996-97 to evaluate the productivify of different cropping sequences, viz ground nut (Arachis hypogaea L.) - wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cmend Fiori & Paol.)+ mustard (Brassica juncea (L.) Czernj & Casson), blackgram (Phaseolus mungo L.) wheat + mustard and maize (Zea mays L.) - berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum L.) under farmers and improved resouce levels. Data revenled that improved resource levels substantially influenced the crop yield of almost all the sequences. Computation of wheat equivalent yields showed that maize - berseem sequence secured the highest wheat-equivalent yield (mean 94.6 tonnes/ha) followed by blackgram - wheat + mustard (82.9 tonnes/ha). Improved resource levels recorded 45.9% increase in wheat equivalent yield over farmers, levels. Althought the the maximum gross returns were recorded with maize· berseem cropping sequence but blackgram - wheat + mustard was found most remunerative and recorded the highest net returns (Rs 23 590) and cost: benefit ratio (1 : 2.19). Improved resource levels recorded higher values of gross returns (Rs 51 194), net returns (Rs 26 790) and cost: benefit ratio (1 : 2.12) compared with the farmers resource levels (Rs 37 188, Rs 15 463 and 1 : 1.74).