Effect of intercropping rice (Oryza sativa) with groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) and pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) under different row orientations on rainfed uplands

A field experiment was conducted during the rainy (kharif) seasons of 2000 2001 at Baruipur, Kolkata, to evaluate the production potential and economic feasibility of intercropping in rainfed direct-seeded rice (Oryza sativa L.) with groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) and pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] under different spatial arrangements. The intercropping system of rice with either groundnut or pigeonpea was found beneficial over sole cropping of rice. Among the intercropping systems, rice with groundnut in 4:2 row proportion was most productive and remunerative, as it gave the maximum rice-equivalent yield (2,815 kg/ha), net returns (Rs 7,720/ha), income-equivalent ratio (1.61) and higher land-utilization efficiency (31%).