Evaluation of productive, profitable and energy-efficient alternate cropping system options for pikka tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) on Alfisols of Odisha

A field experiment was conducted during 2014–15 and 2015–16 at Berhampur, Odisha, to evaluate alternative cropping system to pikka tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.). The maximum tobacco cured leaf (1.64 t/ha) and net return of 66, 462/ha were obtained in sole crop of tobacco which was significantly higher with 19.7% and 34.1% over maize (Zea mays L.) (green cob)-mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] cropping system. The highest total energy input (23, 700 MJ/ha) was reported for cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)-sesame (Sesamum indicum L.). Major source of energy added was through fertilizer ranged from 29.6% in finger millet [Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn.]-horse gram [Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.) Verdc.] to 46.2% in cotton-mungbean cropping system, and human labour ranged from 12.7% in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)-mung bean cropping system to 23.7% in tobacco. The highest energy output was obtained from maize (green cob)-mungbean (1, 79, 530 MJ/ha), followed by cotton-mungbean (1, 65, 360 MJ/ha), maize (green cob)-horse gram (1, 62, 730 MJ/ha). Energy productivity was the highest in tobacco (0.13 kg/MJ), followed by maize (green cob)-mung bean (0.08 kg/MJ). The maize (green cob)-mung bean cropping system having highest energy-use efficiency (10.1) and energy output efficiency (1300 MJ/ha/day) and lowest specific energy is the next best option to pikka tobacco on Alfisols of Odisha.