Demonstration of Cotton + Redgram intercropping system under rainfed conditions of Telangana state

Abstract

A front line demonstration on production potential of Cotton + Redgram intercropping system under rainfed conditions in Mahabubnagar district of Telangana state was carried out in farmers fields during 2017-18, 2018-19 and 2019-2020 under District Agricultural Advisory transfer of Technology centre (DAATTC), Mahabubnagar, PJTSAU, Telangana. Intercropping of Cotton and Redgram was sown in 4:1 ratio with an objective of Redgram as inter cropped with cotton is evolved as an alternative sustainable cropping system to sole cotton in rainfed conditions to improve the yields and income of the farmers in the Mahabubnagar district of Telangana state. The average cotton equivalent yield was 3025 kg/ha, 2382 kg/ha and 3698 kg/ha respectively during 2017-18, 2018-19 and 2019-20 and the mean cotton equivalent yield was 3035 kg/ha. The higher net returns (Rs. 89,912) in Cotton + Redgram intercropping over check sole cotton might be due to higher cotton equivalent yield, lower cost of cultivation during all the study years. The mean benefit cost ratio was 2.47: 1 and 2.06: 1 for demo and check respectively.