Response of Rabi Maize and Intercrops on Yield and Economics in Northern Bihar

A field experiment was conducted at TCA farm, Dholi, a campus of Rajendra Agricultural University, Pusa (Samastipur) Bihar during winter season 2003-04 to evaluate the Production Potential and Economic Feasibility in Maize based cropping system. The experiment consisted of 11 treatments was planted on 22.11.2003. The experiment was conducted in RBD design with 3 replications. Perusal of data of experiment conducted revealed that maize grown with 1 row radish showed highest yield than when intercropped with potato, rajmash, pea and fababean. Where as in intercrops highest yield was found under maize+ 2 row radish. Maize intercropped with 2 rows of potato produced higher maize yield equivalent (113.32 q/ha). In terms of net income the highest net return was earned under maize + 2 rows of rajmash (Rs 31005.99/ha). However, it was statistically at par with maize + 1 row rajmash (Rs.27941.1/ha), maize + 1 rows of potato (Rs 2728.16/ha) and maize + 2 rows of potato (Rs.27216.45/ha). Net return per rupees of investment obtained ranked in the order of maize + 1 rows rajmash (Rs 1.88) > maize + 2 rows of rajmash (Rs 1.71) > maize + 1 row of potato (1.26). Minimum net return per rupees of investment (0.86) was associated with 2 rows of potato intercropped in between 2 rows of maize. Therefore, on the basis of field experimental results, it may be concluded that maize may be intercropped with potato and rajmash in 1:2 ratio for higher productivity.