Performance of intercropping of rajmah (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in Rabi sweet corn (Zea mays var. Saccharata)

Abstract

The field investigation entitled “Performance of Intercropping of Rajmah (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in Rabi Sweet Corn (Zea mays var. saccharata)” was conducted during the Rabi season of 2024–25 at the Zonal Agricultural Research Station, Ganeshkhind, Pune. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with six treatments and four replications, viz., T₁: Sweet corn (75 cm) + Rajmah (1:1), T₂: Sweet corn (75 cm) + Rajmah (1:2), T₃: Sweet corn (60 cm) + Rajmah (1:1), T₄: Sweet corn (Paired row 60–90–60 cm) + Rajmah (2:2), T₅: Sole Sweet corn and T₆: Sole Rajmah. Results revealed that Sole Sweet corn (T₅) recorded higher cob yield (25.07 t ha⁻¹), which was at par with Sweet corn (75 cm) + Rajmah (1:1) (T₁) (22.72 t ha⁻¹), whereas Sweet corn (60 cm) + Rajmah (1:1) (T₃) recorded higher green fodder yield (31.25 t ha⁻¹). The growth and yield attributes and cob yield fodder yield of sweet corn was found to be significant in sole sweet corn which was found at par with sweet corn (75 cm row) + rajmah (1:1). The Sweet corn equivalent yield (SCEY) was significantly higher in Sweet corn (75 cm) + Rajmah (1:2) (T₂) (30.20 t ha⁻¹), followed by Sweet corn (75 cm) + Rajmah (1:1) (T₁) (28.31 t ha⁻¹). In terms of economics, Sweet corn (75 cm) + Rajmah (1:2) (T₂) recorded higher net returns (₹ 4,46,945 ha⁻¹), followed by Sweet corn (60 cm) + Rajmah (1:1) (T₃) (₹ 4,08,702 ha⁻¹) and Sweet corn (75 cm) + Rajmah (1:1) (T₁) (₹ 4,04,277 ha⁻¹). However, the Benefit:Cost (B:C) ratio was higher in Sweet corn (75 cm) + Rajmah (1:1) (T₁) (4.44), followed by Sweet corn (75 cm) + Rajmah (1:2) (T₂) (4.36) and Sweet corn (60 cm) + Rajmah (1:1) (T₃) (4.36), indicating better profitability and efficient resource utilization.