Effect of Intercropping on Yield and Economics of Potato Production

Abstract

Intercropping is a cost-effective cropping technique that increases productivity, maximizes land use, and enhances the income of farmers while minimizing risks from mono-cropping. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of intercropping on potato yield and potato economics in on-farm trials (OFTs). The trials compared various intercropping systems, such as potato with bottle gourd, cabbage, watermelon, and maize, against sole potato cropping. The findings indicated that intercropping greatly enhanced yield equivalence and benefit-cost (B:C) ratio over the sole potato cultivation practice followed by farmers. Treatment T4 (potato + maize) had the highest B:C ratio (4.3:1) in the year 2019 which was at par with Treatment T3 (potato + cabbage). In the year 2021, treatment T4 (potato + maize) had the highest B:C ratio (4.04:1) which was at par with Treatment T3 (potato + cabbage). These results indicate the potential of intercropping for enhancing land utilization efficiency, improving returns to the farmer, and ensuring sustainable agricultural practice.