Enhancing productivity and profitability of chickpea (Cicer arietinum) + Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) intercropping system

A field experiment was carried out during 1998–99 to 2000–01 at the Indian Institute of Pulses Research, Kanpur, to study the genotypic compatibility in kabuli chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) and Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czernj. & Cosson] in chickpea + Indian mustard intercropping system. Sole crop of chickpea cv. ‘BG 1003’ recorded significantly highest growth and yield attributes than the other genotypes of chickpea. Among the various intercropping systems, ‘BG 1003’ chickpea + ‘Vardan’ Indian mustard recorded significantly highest growth and yield attributes of chickpea and Indian mustard than the other intercropping systems. However, highest 100-seed weight of chickpea was recorded in chickpea ‘KAK 2’ in chickpea + ‘Vardan’ Indian mustard intercropping system at 6:2 row ratio. Yield reduction of chickpea was recorded higher in Indian mustard genotypes of ‘Varuna’ than ‘Vardan’. Significantly higher chickpea-equivalent yield, land-equivalent ratio (LER), net returns and benefit: cost ratio (B:C ratio) were recorded in ‘BG 1003’ + ‘Vardan’ intercropping system than the other intercropping system. Higher seed yield of component crops in intercropping system showed complimentary relationship which resulted in higher chickpea-equivalent yield.