Productivity, stability and profitability of rice (Oryza sativa)-based crop sequences in West Bengal and Orissa

A field experiment was conducted at Kalyani and Bhubaneshwar centres of All-India Co-ordinated Research Project on Cropping Systems during 1992–97, to find out efficient crop sequences. Among the crop sequences evaluated at Kalyani, rice (Oryza sativa L.)-potato (Solarium tuberosum L.)-jute (Corchorus capsulars L.) was found to be most productive in new alluvial zone of West Bengal, with highest mean yield in terms of rice equivalents (16,936 kg/ha/year), system productivity (67.47 kg/ha/year), energy productivity (46.93 x 106 K cal/ha) and net profit (Rs 51, 465/ha/year) bul in other terms rice-wheat [Triticum aestivum L. emend. Fiori & Paol.)-groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) was better with highest energy production (31.45 x 106 K cal/ha on actual crop basis), land-use efficiency (0.86) and system stability (0.91). Among the sequences tested at Bhubaneshwar for eastern and south-eastern coastal zone of Orissa, rice-tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Miller nom. cons.)-poi (Basella rubra L.) was distinctly better than others, with highest rice-yield equivalent (26,680 kg/ha/year), productivity (90.14 kg/ha/day), rice yield equivalent-based energy (73.64 x 106 K cal/ha), land-use efficiency (0.81), net profit (Rs 87,220/ha) and benefit: cost ratio (17.2). However, in terms of energy production on actual crop basis rice-potato-sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) sequence was distinctly better (36.16 x 106 K cal/ha). The stability of the system was, however, highest (0.74) in rice-Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czernj. & Cosson]-ridgegourd [Luffa acutangula (Roxb.) L.] sequence. On the other hand, in terms of minimum risk of financial involvement, rice-Indian mustard-rice at Kalyani and rice-Indian mustard-ridgegourd at Bhubaneshwar were advisable.