Intercropping of medicinal and high value crops in autumn sugarcane (Saccharum spp. hybrid) for higher productivity and profitability

A field experiment was conducted during autumn season of 2006–07, 2007–08 and 2008–09 at sugarcane experimental area (Ladhowal), Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana to assess the profitability of intercropping of medicinal and high value crops in autumn planted sugarcane(Saccharum spp. hybrid). Gobhi sarson (Brassica napus L.), canola type ‘GSC 5’ and ‘GSC 6’ and non canola type varieties ‘GSL 2’, celery (Apium graveolens L.) ‘local’, barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) ‘VJM 201’ and radish (Raphanus sativus L.) ‘Punjab Pasand’ for seed purpose were evaluated as intercrops. Out of 9 combinations of intercropping, sugarcane+ gobhi sarson ‘GSL 2’ (1: 1) recorded the highest cane equivalent yield of 87.95 t/ha, which was 22% higher than that of sole crop of sugarcane. The economic analysis also indicated that sugarcane+gobhi sarson ‘GSL 2’ (1: 1) recorded the highest net profit of 80,894/ha, followed by intercropping of sugarcane + celery (1:2) and sugarcane + gobhi sarson ‘GSC 5’ (1:2) + with 29.0%, 26.9% and 22.2% higher net returns over sole crop of sugarcane, respectively. However, different intercrops did not show any significant effect on cane quality in terms of pol % juice and commercial cane sugar (CCS %).