Sustainability of Henna Based Intercropping System in Rainfed Condition of Western Rajasthan: Farmers’ Perception

In aberrant rainfall years, intercropping seems to be good proposition to sustain the production of henna in rainfed areas. Besides, in normal season, it increases the farm income and aims at efficient utilization of solar energy, moisture and nutrients. The present study was conducted in Pali district of western Rajasthan to ascertain the status of henna-based intercropping systems under rainfed conditions. The most important intercropping systems for the farmers of Pali district were henna + pigeonpea and henna + green gram. The important constraint perceived by the farmers in adoption of intercropping systems was low rainfall and non-availability of timely inputs. Certain researchable issues emerged from the study viz. development of suitable seed drill for intercropping systems, determination of highly profitable row ratio and development of soil and moisture conservation options for intercropping system.