Indian Journal of Agronomy
Year : 2009, Volume : 54, Issue : 2
First page : ( 206) Last page : ( 214)
Print ISSN : 0537-197X. Online ISSN : 0974-4460.

Crop diversification with oilseed crops for-maximizing productivity, profitability and resource conservation

Reddy B.N., Suresh G.

Directorate of Oilseeds Research, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, 500 030.

Abstract

Crop diversification is intended to give a wider choice in the production of a variety of crops in a given area so as to expand production related activities on various crops and also to lessen risk. The crop shift (diversification) also takes place due to governmental policies and thrust on some crops over a stipulated time, e.g. establishment of the Technology Mission on Oilseeds to give thrust on oilseeds production as a national need for the country's requirement for less dependency on imports. Crop diversification and also the growing of large number of crops are practiced in rainfed lands to reduce the risk factor of crop failures due to drought or fewer rains. Market infrastructure development and certain other price related supports also induce crop shift. Inclusion of trees in the farming system results in moisture and nutrient conservation in semi-arid tropics.The article attempts a critical review on crop diversification in rainfed regions of the country and also discusses several facets of crop diversification that include; diversification of rice-wheat system with oilseeds; diversification of oilseeds through intercropping, promising crop sequences involving oilseeds in different states. Potential areas are suggested for various oilseed crops in different parts of the country. Further, the role of trees as a component of crop diversification for maximizing productivity, profitability leading to resource conservation is highlighted.

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Key words

Diversification, Oilseeds, Profitability, Resource conservation.

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