Economic Evaluation of Mung Bean (Vigna radiata) Intercrop within Malabar Neem (Melia dubia) Based Agroforestry System in Semi-arid Region of Bundelkhand, India

Abstract

Bundelkhand region of India is known in the entire country for moisture scarcity and crop failure due less rainfall and falls in the semi-arid zone. Short-duration crops having the capacity to withstand moisture scarcity are generally grown in this region, apart from Kharif and Rabi season crops. Moong bean (Vigna radiata) is one such short-duration crop which mainly grown in this region. Hence, Moong bean intercrop was selected to cultivate within agroforestry systems for resources optimization and mutual benefits. Nevertheless, agroforestry is gaining momentum in the Bundelkhand region due to multiple benefits for ecological and economical aspects. Apart from decreasing the chance of total crop failure, agroforestry provides subsidiary output such as timber and firewood. Among various trees preferred under agroforestry, Malabar neem (Melia dubia) is one of the important tree species that is highly valued for its timber that is used in the furniture industry as well as in the pulpwood and plywood industry. Combination of both Moong bean and Malabar neem not only enhances the chance of profitability but also provides an alternative to sole cropping of both the components. Therefore, the present experiment was conducted at Forestry Farm, RLBCAU, Jhansi to investigates the economics of Vigna radiata within Melia dubia based agroforestry system for its feasibility over sole cropping of both the agro-systems. The result showed that the highest BCR (3.14), gross return (3,78,566 rupees/ha), net return (2,65,940) and land equivalent ratio (2.19) observed in T5 [Melia dubia with spacing 5m×3m + Vigna radiata] as compared to other agroecosystems. On the basis of economic feasibility, Moon bean should be grown under Malabar neem with spacing 5m×3m based agroforestry system which is recommended to the farmers of Bundelkhand region for higher profitability.