Chickpea-based intercropping systems in Rajasthan's Hadoti region: Productivity and economic viability

A study was done to determine the productivity and economic viability of intercropping systems based on chickpea in the Hadoti region of Rajasthan at the Agricultural Research Station in Ummedganj, Kota (Rajasthan), over the course of three successive rabi seasons in (2018–19 to 2020–21). Nine various chickpea-based intercropping systems, including Sole Chickpea, Sole Linseed, Sole Coriander, Sole Wheat, Sole Mustard, Chickpea + Linseed (6:2), Chickpea + Coriander (6:2), Chickpea + Wheat (6:2), and Chickpea + Mustard (6:2), were investigated in a randomized block design with three replications. According to combined statistics, the chickpea + mustard intercropping system had the highest chickpea grain yield and equivalent yield (1865 kg/ha and 2574 kg/ha, respectively) when compared to all other intercropping systems. Results of competitive indices revealed that compared to the rest of the intercropping system, chickpea + mustard (6:2) recorded significantly higher LER (1.25), MAI (18462), and SPI (2912 kg/ha), while the lowest LER, MAI, SPI, and production efficiency (PE) were recorded in the chickpea + wheat intercropping system. The chickpea + mustard intercropping system yielded values of competition ratio, aggressivity, system profitability index, relative crowding coefficient , and area time equivalent ratio that were sustainable and producible in comparison to other treatments. In terms of economics, compared to all other intercropping and solo crops, the chickpea + mustard intercropping system yielded the chickpea's most significant net returns (Rs. 93681/ha) and B:C ratio (3.11). So, for south-eastern Rajasthan, the mustard and chickpea intercropping system is a productive and sustainable system.