Vertical intensification of rice ecosystems: Integrating cucurbits through multi-storey sack-trellis farming

Abstract

Accelerated urban expansion, shrinking cultivable land and increasing climatic uncertainties have intensified pressure on rice-based agro-ecosystems of India, particularly in flood-prone lowland areas. With limited scope for horizontal expansion, escalating productivity per unit area through vertical intensification and efficient resource use has become essential. The sack-trellis system is
a climate-smart, low-cost cropping approach that integrates trailing cucurbits above standing lowland rice during kharif season. This article discusses the production technology and benefits of viny vegetables grown on trellises alongside rice crop. The system improves cropping intensity, farm income, nutritional security and resource-use efficiency while reducing soil-borne diseases without disturbing rice growth.