Feasibility assessment of bitter gourd (Momordica charantia) as intercrop in coconut (Cocos nucifera) garden

Abstract

The experiment was executed at Regional Coconut Research Station, Bhatye, Ratnagiri in the rabi season of 2022-23 to assess the performance bitter gourd grown as intercrop in coconut garden. The coconut garden of 30 years (Variety West Coast Tall) was selected for the experimentation and two blocks were prepared with and without bitter gourd intercrop. The net return from coconut garden was higher (? 1.744 per Rs.) due to intercropping with bitter gourd. The average profit and the additional intercropping income (33.92 per cent) was noted in Coconut + Bitter gourd system. Whereas in comparison with the sole crop, 106.30 man days/ha/year additional employment was generated in bitter gourd intercropping system.