Impact of Improved Dryland Technologies on Crop Yields in a Microwatershed in Southern Rajasthan

Rainfed agriculture is the main source of livelihood for farmers in the southern region of Rajasthan. Farmers in the semi arid zone have normally very few options in terms of crop choice. Maize is the dominant crop in the region. Due to low and erratic rainfall, poor fertility of soils and non adoption of improved land, water and crop management practices, productivity levels of different crops in rainfed areas are not encouraging. On-farm trials/were conducted during 2002 to 2006 to validate important dryland agriculture technologies in comparison to traditional practices in village Pathliyas (Mangrope watershed). Overall increase in crop production by use of improved seed over local seed of different crops ranged from 17.4 to 133.7 per cent. Supplemental irrigation through harvested rainwater in maize + blackgram (2:2) and groundnut + sesame (6:2) intercropping systems is most promising for enhancing productivity and higher B: C ratio under rainfed conditions. Maize + blackgram intercropping (2:2) system gave highest net returns (Rs. 8640 ha−1) and B: C ratio (2.00) in comparison to sole and strip cropping of maize. Deep tillage + ridging 30 days after sowing + 100% recommended nitrogen through farm yard manure increased the grain yield of maize to the tune of 52.70 per cent as compared to farmer's practice. Gram + mustard intrcropping (sowing of mustard across the gram at 4 m. interval) gave the highest net return (Rs. 22824/- ha−1) and B: C ratio (3.98) as compared to other methods of gram cultivation. Application of sulphur in groundnut was found beneficial and gave higher benefit-cost ratio (2.26) and net returns (Rs.11520 ha1) as compared to control (1.88 and Rs. 7515 ha−1). Improved technology increased the productivity of kharif and rabi crops to the tune of 18.4 to 51.77 and 35.2 to 48.4 per cent, respectively over the traditional practice of the farmers. Improved bio-diverse farming system was found more profitable over the traditional system of maize cropping with higher net returns (Rs. 3141 ha−1) and B: C ratio (1.42).