Yield and Economics for Different Methods of Sowing in Wheat under Rice-Wheat Cropping System

Adoption of zero tillage technology by farmers in India has occurred mainly in the rice-wheat crop production system. It was adopted primarily for the wheat crop. The spread of technology was rapid in the north-western states which are relatively better endowed with respect to irrigation, mechanization and relatively large size of land holdings. In India, widespread adoption of zero tillage method of cultivation was started in Bihar state. It is emerged as a way to achieve enhanced productivity and profitability while protecting natural resources and environment. In this study, an attempt has been made to analyze the comparative economics for different methods of sowing of wheat cultivation in Bihar state. Sowing methods of wheat recorded statistically significant difference in yield of wheat and it was produced maximum in treatment T2, where sowing of wheat was done by zero tillage. Grain yield (35.6 q/ha) of wheat was produced maximum. The study revealed that the both yield and net returns were significantly higher in zero tillage by 35.6q/ha and Rs. 48880/ ha respectively. Zero tillage technology enabled farmers to increase returns and save crucial inputs cost. Hence, this technology promises to be an important alternative for generating higher farm income and saving of scarce resources in resource starved regions.