STM Article Repository

The present study highlights the response of the cropping system to find out suitable row proportions of turmeric and Pigeon-pea with additive and replacement series. Intercropping farming is considered very useful in dealing with such challenges. In pigeon pea growing areas of the country, farmers often plant pigeon pea on the bunds of paddy fields. Turmeric (Curcuma longa L) is a significant cash crop cultivated by tribal farmers of Odisha for their sustenance. Despite favorable agro-climatic conditions, turmeric productivity lags considerably behind the national average, standing at 2.4t/ha compared to the national average of 5.1t/ha. The present study was carried out during 2021-22 and 2022 -23 kharif seasons to evaluate the performance of the cropping system to find out suitable planting geometry and row proportions at the Regional Research Technology and Transfer Station (RRTTS), G. Udayagiri, Kandhamal, Odisha. Experimental Design was a Randomized Block Design with three replications and eight treatments. Fresh rhizome (106.04 q/ha) in Sole crop of turmeric and pigeon pea grain (14.07 q/ha) produced the highest yield when compared with other intercropping systems. Turmeric +Pigeon pea (10:2) geometry gave the highest net return and benefit cost ratio over other intercropping system. Research findings indicate that this specific planting pattern promotes synergy between turmeric and pigeon peas, leading to mutually beneficial growth and development. The study recommended that response of the cropping system to find out suitable row proportions of turmeric and Pigeon pea with additive and replacement series in multilocational trials and farmers field.