PERFORMANCE OF INTERCROPS IN DIRECT-SEEDED RAIN-FED RICE (ORYZA-SATIVA) UNDER DEEP-WATER ECOSYSTEM OF NORTH BIHAR

An experiment was conducted during 1986-89 on intercropping of various crops with rainfed deep-water 'Janaki' rice (Oryza sativa L.) as a ba se crop, to find out the most profitable combination of intercrops wit h deep-water rice. Rice + 'Krishna' sesame (Sesamum indicum L.), rice + 'G 65' greengram (Phaseolus radiatus L.) and rice + 'JRC 321' white jute (Corchorus capsularis L.) for fibre, giving net returns of Rs 4 3 65.50,2 471.50 and 2 119.60 per hectare respectively were more profita ble combinations than rice + 'MP Chari' forage sorghum [Sorghum bicolo r (L.) Moench], rice + 'RAU 5' proso millet (Panicum miliaceum L) and rice alone, giving net returns of Rs 1 201,1 154.70 and 1 140.50 per h ectare respectively. In addition, these intercrops reduced the weed gr owth and infestation of stemborer (Scirpophaga incertulas Walker).