Production potential and economics of floriculture-based crop sequences in irrigated areas of Maharashtra

An experiment was conducted on medium deep soil at Agricultural Research Station, Chas, during 1997–98 to 1999–2000, to find out the most economical floriculture-based cropping systems under irrigated conditions of Ahmednagar district (Maharashtra). Selective crop sequences were evaluated and compared with the established crop sequence groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)-wheat (Triticum aestivum L. emend. Fiori & Paol.) in scarcity zone of Maharashtra. It was observed that out of 8 cropping systems, the chrysanthemum (April planted)-winter season onion (Allium cepa L.) and rainy season marigold winter season onion (rabi) cropping sequences were found to be the most remunerative and profitable. The monetary returns recorded by these sequences were Rs 134,677 and Rs 124,391/ha and benefit: cost ratio was 5.18 and 5.21 respectively. Per day productivity was the maximum in marigold-onion cropping sequence. Both the sequences showed more land- use efficiency and production efficiency over the others.