Performance of intercropping of legumes with finger millet (Eleusine coracana) for enhancing productivity, sustainability and economics in Koshi region of Bihar

Abstract

A field experiment on diversification of finger millet (Eleusine coracana L. Gaertn.) through black gram (Phaseolus mungo L.), soybean (Glycine max) and groundnut (Arachis hypogea) intercropping was carried out at Agronomy Instructional Farm, Mandan Bharti Agriculture College, Saharsa, Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, Bhagalpur, Bihar, India to identify the most promising intercropping systems for improving and stabilizing productivity. Based on the results, it was observed that intercropping of finger millet with black gram, groundnut and soybean recorded significantly higher finger millet equivalent yield (4233, 4013 and 3521 kg/ha) at 4:2 ratio than sole finger millet (2017 kg/ha) however, grain and straw yield of finger millet were recorded superior in 6:2 ratio of almost all inter cropping systems. Almost all growth as well as yield attributing characters of finger millet were recorded significantly higher in finger millet sole however among inter cropping system finger millet intercropped with Black gram followed by groundnut and soybean. Among the ratio of intercropping system, all inter cropping systems with 4:2 row ratio were recorded higher finger millet equivalent yield along with net income than 6:2 row ratio.