2024, Vol. 7, Issue 4, Part G

author(s)
Gangadhar K, Hemavathi K and Veena CV

abstract
The inter-cropping system based on castor cultivation creates a favorable microclimate for intercrops, leading to increased yields with a minimum investment. This system not only generates additional income per unit area but also offers ample opportunity for intercrops to thrive between castor rows, given castor's slow growth rate. Consequently, an experiment titled "Evaluating the production and economic feasibility of castor (Ricinus communis L.) intercropping systems" was led-out at the Regional Research Station, Bawal, CCSHAU during the 2020-21 kharif season. The primary objectives were to identify the most suitable intercrops for castor cultivation and to analyze the economic viability. The experiment followed a randomized block design and replicated thrice, comprising eleven treatments. These included sole crops of castor (DCH 177) at 150 and 200 cm row spacing, as well as green gram (MH 421), bajra (HHB 67 Imp.) and sesame (HT 2). Additionally, intercropping combinations of green gram, bajra and sesame with castor were tested in 2 and 4 row ratios. Results specified that significantly superior yields (both economic and biological) under castor sole system (200 cm), with yield values of 3,879 and 5,656 kg ha^-1, respectively. This performance was comparable to castor sole (150 cm) and the castor (150 cm) + green gram (2 rows) intercropping system. The highest system equivalent yield was recorded in the castor (200 cm) with green gram (4 rows) (4220 kg ha^-1) intercropping system. Economic assessment of the treatments found that the castor (200 cm) with green gram (4 rows) intercropping system yielded the higher net profit (Rs. 1,57,453 ha^-1) and with benefit-cost ratio of 3.78.