Productivity, resource-use efficiency and economics of rice (Oryza sativa)-based bio-intensive cropping systems in coastal Odisha

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during 201314 to 201617 under irrigated, medium-land condition of Bhubaneswar, Odisha, to evaluate the production potential and economics of 10 rice (Oryza sativa L.)-based bio- intensive cropping systems. Ricemaize (Zea mays L.) + radish (Raphanus sativus L.)okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) + amaranth (Amaranthus viridis L.) and ricemaize + amaranthcowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] + amaranth cropping systems recorded significantly higher average rice-equivalent yield (19.91 and 19.33 t/ha respectively) than the other systems evaluated, the relative production efficiency being 137 and 130% over the ricegroundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) system. Rice-based 3-crop systems having groundnut as a winter (rabi) crop showed higher land-use efficiency (95%). Ricemaize + amaranthcowpea + amaranth system recorded the highest irrigation water-use efficiency (351 kg REY/ha), whereas ricegroundnut + amaranthcowpea + amaranth and ricemaize + radishokra + amaranth systems, recorded the highest apparent nutrient-use productivity (43.4 kg REY/kg NPK applied). Ricetomato (Lycopersicum esculentum L.) + radishcowpea + amaranth exhibited the highest energy-use efficiency (4.94), energy-output efficiency (834 MJ/ha/day); however, average maximum en- ergy productivity was obtained in ricemaize + amaranthcowpea + amaranth (0.38 kg REY/MJ). Ricetomato + radishcowpea + amaranth cropping system had highest engagement of man-days (660 days), followed by rice tomato + radishbittergourd (Momordica charantia L.) + amaranth (650 days) and ricemaize + radishokra + amaranth (640 days). Ricemaize + amaranthcowpea + amaranth and ricemaize + radishokra + amaranth systems realized higher gross returns ( 285,279 and 293,277/ha) and net returns ( 134,375 and 126,235/ha). These 2 cropping systems also recorded the highest system profitability ( 368 and 346/ha/day), crop profitability ( 439 and 405/ha/day) and profit margin (47 and 43%) with higher benefit: cost ratio (1.89 and 1.75). Ricetomato + radishcowpea + amaranth, ricebroccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica) + radishpumpkin (Cucurbita pepo L.) + amaranth and ricebroccoli + amaranthcowpea + amaranth were the next best cropping systems in order with net returns of 85,742, 80,923 and 79,810/ha respectively.