Vol. 11, Issue 5 (2022)

Author(s):
AK Verma, VK Tripathi, P Padmavathi and N Mukta

Abstract:
A field experiment was conducted two consecutive Rabi season of 2016-17 and 2017-18 on silty clay loam soil at Research cum Instructional Farm, IGKV, Raipur (C.G) to assess the performance of leafy vegetables (Fenugreek and coriander) as intercrop in between rows of safflower for improving the profitability of safflower. Fenugreek and coriander were sown in between rows of safflower in the ratio of 1:1, broadcasted in the standing safflower and mixed sowing with safflower as per farmer’s practice. Plant height, number of branches, dry matter production, yield attributes and yield of safflower were significantly higher under intercropping of safflower + fenugreek as leafy vegetable in the ratio of 1:1 but it was remained at par with safflower + coriander as leafy vegetable in 1:1 ratio, broadcasting of fenugreek or coriander in the line sown safflower and sole safflower. Intercropping of safflower + fenugreek as leafy vegetable in the ratio of 1:1 obtained 73% higher safflower equivalent yield and 66% net return over sole safflower.