Production efficiency of winter season sunflower (Helianthus annuus) - based cropping systems under Sri Ram Sagar Project command area of Andhra Pradesh

A field experiment was conducted for 4 years during 1992-93 to 1995-96 to e valuate the production efficiency of 6 winter season sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) - based cropping systems. The sunflower yield equivalents were h igher in sunflower - groundnut (Arachis hypogaea)- greengram (Phaseolus rad iatus L.) cropping system, than sunflower - maize (Zea mays L.) - greengram ; sunflower - sunflower - greengram; sunflower - greengram - greensam; sunf lower - blackgram (P. mungo L.) - greengram; sunflower - sesame (Sesamum in dicum L.) - greengram cropping system. The sunflower - groundnut - greengra m cropping system was found to be stable (sustainable yield index 70%) with higher production efficiency and net returns compared to other cropping sy stems. In summer, the sunflower yield equivalents and sustainable yield ind ex were higher in groundnut than that of other crops grown.