Productivity, economics and energetics of potato (Solanum tuberosum)-based systems as an alternative to rice (Oryza sativa)wheat (Triticum aestivum) in Doaba region of Punjab

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted on potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)-based cropping systems as an alternate to rice (Oryza sativa L.)wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cropping system at Jallowal (Jalandhar), Punjab, during 201617. Eight cropping systems, viz. potatospring maize (Zea mays L.)basmati rice, potato (Solanum tubersoum L.)okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench]basmati rice, potatobottle gourd [Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) Standl.]maize, potatobitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.)maize, potatoonion (Allium cepa L.) maize, potatosummer greengram [Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilezek]maize, potatosummer greengrambasmati rice and ricewheat, were laid out in randomized complete-block design with 3 replications. Rice-equivalent yield was higher in potatoonionmaize system (32.4 t/ha), being significantly higher than all the other systems. Potatoon- ionmaize system also resulted in the highest net returns of 293,000/ha followed by potatobitter gourdmaize ( 260,000/ha) and potatookrabasmati rice ( 249,000/ha) compared to ricewheat systems ( 113,000/ha). The highest benefit: cost ratio of 1.32 was obtained in potatoonionmaize system. The production efficiency was also recorded higher in the same system. Both, energy-use efficiency and specific energy were the highest in rice wheat system, which was statistically at par with potatosummer greengrammaize and potatospring maize basmati rice.