Performance of Cultivars and Tillage Methods on Growth, Yield and Economics of Lentil Under Rice-Lentil System in Garo Hills, Meghalaya

Frontline demonstrations were carried out at 859 farmers’ field of four districts covering an area of 238.68 ha in 89 villages of Garo Hill districts, Meghalaya during rabi season, 2013–2016 to study the effect of different cultivars and tillage methods on growth, yield and economics of lentil in rice fallow areas. The cultivars of lentil evaluated were HUL 57, WBL 77, Patnai (local) and tillage methods were conventional, relay and zero tillage. Results revealed that the higher significant values were recorded under conventional sowing incorporating bio fertilizer (Rhizobium) in terms of seed yield (8.62 q/ha) and net return (Rs. 28, 103/ha). However, as per benefit cost ratio, highest values were found in relay cropping (2.80) in comparison to other sowing methods. Significantly lower seed yield was recorded in zero tillage than conventional and relay cultivation methods. Among the varieties tested, WBL77 produced the highest seed yield of 7.28 q/ha which showed 45.30 per cent increase over the local variety, a net return of Rs.26643/ha and a benefit cost ratio of 2.76. The lowest production and net returns were found in zero tillage cultivation method.