Production potential of intercropping of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) with pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) and maize (Zea mays) under various row proportions in rainfed Alfisols of West Bengal

A field experiment was conducted during the rainy (kharif) seasons of 2002 and 2003 at Jhargram, West Ben- gal, to evaluate the production potential and economic feasibility of intercropping of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) with pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] and maize (Zea mays L.) under 6 row proportions (3:1, 4:1, 5:1, 3:2, 4:2 and 5:2). Groundnut yield was reduced by 8-35% due to intercropping and yields of pigeonpea and maize were inversely proportional to groundnut row number. Yield components of main and intercrops were also decreased in intercropping systems. Among the intercropping systems, groundnut with pigeonpea in 5:2 row proportion or with maize in 4:2 row proportion was most remunerative in respect of net return and benefit : cost ratio. These 2 intercropping systems showed high competitive ratios, land-equivalent ratio and monetary advantage among all intercropping systems.