Production and economics of rice (Oryza sativa)-based cropping systems

A field experiment conducted from 1993-94 to 1995-96 showed that among the different cropping sequences tried,'Sudha' rice (Oryza sativa L.)-'X 47' sw eet potato [lpomoea batatas (L.) Lam.] rotation recorded significantly high er yield of rice equivalent (52.6 q/ha), production efficiency (17.94), gro ss return (Rs 22,274/ha), net return (Rs 11,809/ha) and benefit : cost rati o (2.12) over rest of the sequences. This was followed by rice-wheat (Triti cum aestivum L. emend. Fiori & Paol.) or rice-french bean (Phaseolus vulgar is L.). Cropping system involving pulse crops in the winter (rabi) season h ad better soil fertility (N, P, K) status than those involving winter cerea ls at the end of experimentation.