Agro-techniques for higher yield from rice based utera cropping in Assam

摘要

In Kamrup district, grass pea as utera crop was promising with highest seed yield of 1.596 tonnes/ha followed by Unseed (0.468 tonne/ha) and field pea (0.376 tonne/ha). Contrary to grass pea and linseed, seed yields of field pea and lentil varied widely with the sites. In spite of good germination and early vegetative growth, these crops failed to grow properly in latter stages. This indicates that pea and lentil are location specific and soil amendment is needed for the problem sites. Net returns from rice-uterz grass pea sequence were highest (Rs 29,787/ha) with the similar share from either component. Highest benefit cost ratio of 2.43 was noted in this sequence. In Naogaon and Morigaon district, the top three utera crops in descending order of monetary returns were linseed, field pea and mustard. Suitable land, crops and varieties, sowing techniques, seed rate, stubble height, and crop protection for rice based utera cropping are discussed. Low seed yield of utera crops in farmers field is dueto low plant population. Use of recommended seed rate, sowing techniques and the art of uniform broadcasting overcomes the problem. Rice stubbk height of 40 cm for dwarf pea variety 'Aparna' while 60 cm for tall variety 'Rachana' was optimum. Net returns under the improved rice-utera pea cropping sequence were Rs 19,620/ha, which was higher by 73% as compared to the farmers practice.