Evaluation of performance of certain mango based intercropping systems in Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh

Abstract

An experiment was conducted in farmers fields to investigate the effects of intercrops on the yield of mango cultivar ‘Baneshan’ with the aim to maximize the production potential and economic returns from mango-based intercropping systems in various villages of Nuzvid mandal, Krishna District, Andhra Pradesh. The treatments include, Mango + Horsegram, Mango + Bhendi, Mango + Beans, Mango + Brinjal, Mango + Tomato, Mango + Tobacco, Mango + Paddy and Mango + Maize. All the intercrops were sown / transplanted during rainy season only (Kharif). Cultivation of tomato as an intercrop in mango orchard recorded significantly highest mango yield (6222.20 kg/ha) followed by brinjal (5951.37 kg/ha) than the other intercropping systems. The lowest yield (3791.64 kg/ha) was recorded with maize as an intercrop. The highest monetary net return (Rs. 143138.90/ha) and BCR of 2.72 was obtained with brinjal intercroppping in mango orchard. Intercropping was effective in sustaining income and employment generation especially during the pre-production phase and “off” year especially for small and marginal farmers. Thus, intercropping in mango orchards can help farmers for year round production, employment, reduced cost of cultivation and increase monetary returns besides providing nutritional security.