Productivity, economics and energetics of potato (Solanum tuberosum)-based systems as an alternative to rice (Oryza sativa)-wheat (Triticum aestivum) in Doaba region of Punjab

A field experiment was conducted on potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)-based cropping systems as an alternate to rice (Oryza sativa L.)-wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cropping system at Jallowal (Jalandhar), Punjab, during 2016-17. Eight cropping systems, viz. potato-spring maize (Zea mays L.)-basmati rice, potato (Solanum tubersoum L.)-okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench]-basmati rice, potato-bottle gourd [Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) Standl.]-maize, potato-bitter gourd (Momordica charantia L.)-maize, potato-onion (Allium cepa L.)- maize, potato-summer greengram [Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilezek]-maize, potato-summer greengram-basmati rice and rice-wheat, were laid out in randomized complete-block design with 3 replications. Rice-equivalent yield was higher in potato-onion-maize system (32.4 t/ha), being significantly higher than all the other systems. Potato-onion-maize system also resulted in the highest net returns of 293,000/ha followed by potato-bitter gourd-maize (260,000/ha) and potato-okra-basmati rice (249,000/ha) compared to rice-wheat systems (113,000/ha). The highest benefit: cost ratio of 1.32 was obtained in potato-onion-maize system. The production efficiency was also recorded higher in the same system. Both, energy-use efficiency and specific energy were the highest in rice- wheat system, which was statistically at par with potato-summer greengram-maize and potato-spring maize- basmati rice.