INTER-CROPPING IN SUGARCANE - A NOVAL TECHNIQUE TO INCREASE FARMERS INCOME AND TO SUSTAIN SUGARCANE AREA AND PRODUCTION

摘要

In order to improve mid season earnings of sugarcane farmers and to sustain sugarcane production, large scale field trials on, inter-cropping of sugarcane with wheat, gram, potato and garlic have been conducted during the season 2007-08 and 2008-09 at Saraswati Sugar Mills command area. The studies indicate all the main aspects of intercropping and profitability of growing intercrops. Autumn planted sugarcane intercrops i.e. wheat, potato, garlic and gram indicate improvements in cane yield as compared to spring planted sugarcane as sole crop. Sugarcane + potato, sugarcane + wheat, sugarcane + garlic, sugarcane + gram gave average net profit of Rs. 96230 per hectare, Rs. 71270 per hectare, Rs. 64987 per hectare and Rs. 66175 per hectare respectively. By adopting these cropping systems farmers may enhance their economic status. This will not only generate mid season income of farmers for meeting expenses of sugarcane cultivation but also fulfil the household requirements and net earnings better than even Paddy + Wheat rotation.