Sustainable Productivity and Profitability through Maize-based Cropping System in Hilly Areas of Manipur

Abstract

The field experiment was conducted for two consecutive years during 2018-19 and 2019-20 at three different locations of the farmers’ field in Chandel district of NEH Region, Manipur to compare the different maize-based cropping systems.  From the two years data, it was observed that the highest maize yield was recorded from the sole crop 50.65 q/ha and 51.20 q/ha during 2018-19 and 2019-20 respectively, due to its higher plant population. The equivalent yield of maize 52.16 q/ha and 54.90 q/ha was recorded to be higher in maize + groundnut intercropping system during 2018-19 and 2019-20 as compared to maize + rice bean intercropping system. Though, intercropping with other crops reduced the grain yield of maize but intercropping increased the maize equivalent yield than sole maize. The gross return was highest in maize + groundnut intercropping system with Rs. 152510/ha and Rs.160700/ha with the net profit of Rs. 104141/ha and Rs. 110550/ha during 2018-19 and 2019-20 respectively. The benefit cost ratio was also found to be highest in maize + groundnut intercropping system during the years of experimentations. From this result, it can be concluded that maize + groundnut intercropping will be more beneficial and a viable practiced to achieve the goal of higher sustainable productivity and profitability in attaining doubling of farmers’ income.