Diversification of cropping system through vegetable crops for higher productivity and profitability

Abstract

The diversification of traditional cropping systems through the integration of vegetable crops has proven to be a valuable strategy for enhancing productivity and profitability. This study conducted at ICAR-Indian Institute of Vegetable Research, Varanasi under The Farmer FIRST Programme, highlights the potential of vegetable-based cropping systems to improve income and nutritional security. By incorporating high-yielding, disease-resistant vegetables like tomato, bottle gourd, and cauliflower into rice-based cropping systems, farmers observed substantial increases in rice equivalent yields (REY), gross returns, and benefit-cost ratio. The rice-cauliflower-cowpea sequence achieved the highest REY and profitability compared to the conventional rice-wheat system. Vegetable diversification not only boosts productivity and economic returns but also generates employment opportunities, strengthens food security, and supports sustainable agriculture. This approach, focusing on a mix of seasonal and off-season vegetables, presents a practical solution for achieving the dual goals of higher farm income and enhanced nutritional outcomes in the Indo-Gangetic plains.