Production potential and economic feasibility of sunflower (Helianthus annuus) based intercropping systems under different seeding methods in rice fallow land

A field experiment was conducted during the early spring season of 1996 and 1997 at Baruipur to evaluate the feasibility of intercropping greengram (V igna radiatus L.), blackgram (Vigna mungo L.) and sesame (Sesamum indicum L .) in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) under different seeding methods in r ice fallow Gangetic alluvial land. Paired-row planting (30/60 cm) of sunflo wer intercropped with greengram (1 row) resulted in maximum sunflower-seed equivalent (18.78 q/ha), monetary advantage (Rs 3,555/ha), net return (Rs 7 ,549/ha) and income-equivalent ratio (1.16). The same treatment also accoun ted for maximum land equivalent ratio (1.31), area-time equivalent ration ( 1.15) and greater product of crowding coefficient (K, 3.93) with moderate a ggressivity factor (+/- 1.42) and higher benefit-cost ratio (1.00) and rela tive net return (Rs 1.29) which proved the most efficient.