Feasibility of Different Cropping Systems under Irrigated and Rainfed Conditions of Punjab

A study to increase the crop productivity over a period of time through different cropping sequences was carried out in on-farm research studies during 1991–92 through 1993–94 in 3 districts of Punjab (Kapurthala, Jalandhar and Hoshiarpur) at 127 locations. The results revealed that under irrigated conditions, growing of three crops in a sequence Rice-Gobhi sarson-Mung bean/Rice-wheat-Maize (fodder) proved highly remunerative with a net gain of Rs.9846/- per year over the two crops in a year (Rice-Wheat/Rice-Gobhi sarson). Likewise, under rainfed conditions wheat followed by Bajra fodder/Sunhemp (GM)/Mung bean/Maize showed the highest-return over the mono crop grown during rabi season. It was closely followed by Bajra fodder/Sunhemp/Mung/Maize-Raya. While Sunhemp/Mung bean/Bajra fodder/Maize during Kharif and gram during winter gave least return as compared to Wheat and Raya. The results further revealed that under rainfed conditions, growing of sunhemp as green manure during rainy season proved highly economical over the two crops grown in a sequence. It is mainly attributed due to better soil fertility and above all less expenditure for raising green manure during Kharif season.