Impact of low-cost dryland interventions on productivity of oilseed crops in Shiwalik region of north-western Himalayas

The present study in the Shiwalik region of North-Western Himalayas revealed the status of organic carbon, N, P and K in soils and highlighted importance of soil test based application of the nutrients. The cultivation of the drought tolerant varieties of oilseeds with improved crop management practices resulted in 33.8% (sesame), 41.4% (raya) and 54.7% (taramira) additional yield of the crops under rainfed conditions compared to farmers’ practices. The sowing of the oilseeds with seed drill in the drylands also gave 30.1% (raya) and 43.8% (taramira) additional seed yield over farmers’ practice (broadcasting method). The setting up of the custom hiring centre for the agricultural machinery also improved the operational and economic efficiency of the farm operations and reduced the human labour. Hence, from the present study, it was concluded that adoption of low-cost interventions by small and marginal farmers can improve the crop productivity, increase the economic returns and enable them to cope with the weather aberrations in dryland regions.