Stability of sorghum-based intercropping systems under rainfed conditions

Data from multi-location trials of the All-India Coordinated Sorghum Improvement Project on sorghum-based intercropping systems conducted during 1972-80 were analysed to compare stability of the systems over seasons. Intercropping generated higher long term returns than sole cropping. Av. returns from intercropping were 7-54% higher and in 12 out of 23 situations the margin exceeded 20%. The intercropping systems were more stable than sole cropping of either of the component crops, due probably to higher productivity in intercropping especially in adverse situations. Groundnuts, Vigna radiata, pigeonpeas, soyabeans and cowpeas were the intercrops in sorghum