Production potential and monetary advantage of winter maize (Zea mays)-based intercropping systems under irrigated conditions in central Uttar Pradesh

A field experiment was carried out during winter (rabi) seasons of 2003-04 and 2004-05 at Kanpur to find out the production potential and economic viability of winter maize (Zea mays L.) intercropped with potato (Solanum tuberosum L.), Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czernj. & Cosson], toria (Brassica campestris var. toria), pea (Pisum sativum L. sensulato), linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L. emend. Fiori & Paol.) for central plain zone of Uttar Pradesh. Values of land equivalent ratio (LER) and area-time equivalent ratio (ATER) with all the intercropping systems were greater indicating advantage in yield, land-use efficiency and monetary return/unit time and space over the respective monocultures. All the intercrops with maize recorded significantly higher maize-equivalent yield than the sole crop. Intercropping of maize with potato was more advantageous than the other intercrops. Maize + potato appeared to be biologically the most efficient and economically viable system giving the highest maize grain yield (6 091 kg/ha), maize-equivalent yield (13 792 kg/ha), production efficiency (276.1%), land equivalent ratio (2.14), area-time equivalent ratio (1.91), monetary advantage (Rs 39 017) and net realization (Rs 32 369/ha), followed by maize + pea. Indian mustard, toria and wheat were found non-compatible with winter maize.