Optimizing rabi crop diversification strategies for sustainable agriculture: A case study from Adilabad, Telangana

Abstract

Adilabad, Telangana, a hub for cotton cultivation, faces challenges due to mono-cropping practices, impacting farmers' livelihoods and ecosystem integrity. Crop diversification post cotton termination aims to enhance yields and resource efficiency. Sorghum and wheat thrive under erratic rainfall, bolstering food security. Safflower and rapeseed mustard contribute to oil production, while coriander serves as a high-value crop. Efforts are ongoing to identify optimal cropping systems for sustainable livelihoods in Adilabad. The study at Adilabad's dry farming agricultural research station evaluated the most economical cropping system after cotton during two consecutive rabi seasons using five crop sequences such as Bt-Cotton-Jowar, Bt-Cotton-Wheat, Bt-Cotton-Coriander, Bt-Cotton-Mustard, and Bt-Cotton-Safflower using a split-plot design. The selected crops included Coriander (Kalimi), Mustard (Pusa Agrani), Wheat (Ankur Kedar), Jowar (VJH 540), and Safflower (Manjeera). The study results revealed that Safflower attained the highest net returns of Rs 100,575 per hectare with a benefit-cost ratio (B:C) of 3.7. Following Safflower, Jowar exhibited net returns of Rs 32,834 per hectare with a B:C ratio of 2.0.These findings underscore the potential economic viability of diversifying crops in Kharif Cotton fallow areas. Safflower and Jowar emerged as promising alternatives to Rabi Chickpea, offering favorable returns under irrigated conditions. Such crop diversification strategies hold promise for enhancing agricultural sustainability and income generation in the region.