ECONOMIC RETURNS OF OAT (AVENA-SATIVA) UNDER VARIOUS CUTTING INTERVALS

An experiment was conducted during 1987-89 to assess 5 varieties of oa t (Avena sativa L.) for fodder yield, seed yield and gross income unde r different harvesting intervals. 'PD 2 LV 65', 'S 81' and 'Swan' gave the maximum green-fodder yield (58.90, 54.99 and 54.58 tonnes/ha) and gross income (Rs 14750, 13 800 and 13 720/ha) when harvested only for fodder at 50% flowering stage. The highest seed yield (2.19 tonnes/ha ) and gross income (Rs 12 380/ha) were obtained from 'PD 2 LV 65' harv ested only for seed. 'Swan' cut for fodder after 70 and 85 days of pla nting and then left for seed gave respectively 2.04 and 2.07 tonnes/ha seed yield and Rs 11 520 and 11 590/ha gross income. The maximum cash income from fodder + seed was received from 'Swan' harvested for fodd er after 85 and 100 days (Rs 18 600 and 18 980/ha) and 'PD 2 LV 65' ha rvested 115 days after planting (Rs 18 380/ha). Thus it was more econo mical to cut oat for fodder 85-115 days after planting and then for se ed at maturity.