Fodder and fruit production for livelihood security in agri-horticultural system: an on-farm study

Abstract

On-farm field trial was conducted under rainfed conditions of Jammu region for three consecutive years with fodder crops taken as intercrops in agri-horticultural systems. Fodder crops (maize and bajra) were integrated with Eureka lemon (Lemon) or Kinnow mandarin (Kinnow). Multipurpose trees (MPTs) were also planted on the borders of the field. The study indicated enhanced growth of citrus along with maize and bajra as intercrops. Maize and bajra crops provided both green and dry fodder along with grain for human consumption, thus providing extra income to the farmer from same land unit. Net returns as well as B:C ratio were higher when bajra was intercropped either with Eureka lemon (Lemon) or Kinnow mandarin (Kinnow) as compared to maize iintercropping. Intercropping of maize and bajra also showed remarkable effect on fruit size (length and diameter) and fruit quality (total soluble solids, reducing sugar, total sugar and ascorbic acid). The weight and size of K. mandarin and E. lemon fruits were more when intercropped with bajra and maize in comparison to sole fruit trees. The multipurpose trees on the border areas of the farm helped to save land and increase cropping area.