Inter Cropping of Chilli with Coriander and Fenugreek in Prayagraj Agro-climatic Conditions

Abstract

A field experiment entitled “Inter Cropping of Chilli With Coriander and Fenugreek in Prayagraj Agro-climatic Conditions” was conducted from December, 2021 – March, 2022 at the Horticulture Research Farm, Department of Horticulture, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications and 08 treatments. The experiment consisted of six cropping combinations viz., sole chilli, sole coriander, sole fenugreek, chilli + coriander, chilli+ fenugreek, chilli + coriander + fenugreek. The highest yield (green chilli) was obtained from treatment T1 (Sole chilli @ 100 % RDF) (13.06 t ha-1). Among the intercropping treatments, the highest chilli yield (12.73 t ha-1) was obtained from treatment T4 (chilli @ 85% RDF + coriander @15% RDF) whereas the lowest (10.54 t ha-1) was found in treatment T8 (chilli @ 55 % RDF + coriander @ 22.5 % RDF + fenugreek@ 22.5% RDF). Chilli production was decreased by intercropping, but overall chilli yield rose above solitary chilli due to the contribution of companion crops. The highest chilli along with intercrop yield (150.71 t ha-1), gross return (1101506 Rs. ha-1), net return (817969 Rs. ha-1) and benefit cost ratio (3.88) were obtained from treatment T8 (chilli @ 55 % RDF + coriander @ 22.5 % RDF + fenugreek@ 20% RDF). Considering the experimental findings, treatment T8 (chilli @ 55 % RDF + coriander @ 22.5 % RDF + fenugreek@ 20% RDF) found the most suitable combination for higher productivity and economic return under Prayagraj agro-climatic conditions.