Production potential and economics of different cropping systems in Bundelkhand zone of Uttar Pradesh, India

A field experiment was conducted at farmers’ fields of district Banda (Uttar Pradesh) during two consecutive years of 2006–07 and 2007–08 to evaluate the productivity and net returns of 4 cropping systems under irrigated conditions. Significantly highest wheat (Triticum aestivum L. emend. Fiori and Paol.) grainequivalentyield 5392 kg ha⁻¹ wasrecorded fromsesame (Sesamum indicum L.)-pea (Pisum sativum L. sensulato) cropping system. It was followed by sesame-wheat 4561 kg ha⁻¹ and blackgram [Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper]-wheat 4445 kg ha⁻¹ while traditional system of sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]-wheat produced significantly minimum (3529 kg ha⁻¹) wheat grain-equivalent yield. The economics in terms of gross and net return as well as benefit: cost ratio also followed the same pattern. The sesamepea was more productive and remunerative cropping system earning maximum gross return, net realization and benefit: cost ratio, followed by sesame-wheat and blackgram-wheat system.