Abstract

                                On-farm field experiments were carried out in midland rainfed rice based cropping system during rabi seasons of 1999-00 and 2000-01 at village Khatti, district Mahasamund (C.G.) under National Agricultural Technology Project, RRPS-3 to explore the possibility of rabi crops (Safflower, Gram, Lentil, Lathyrus and Greengram) using moisture conservation practices (no mulch, soil and stubble mulch and rice straw mulch) in rainfed rice area. Among the crops, safflower produced significantly higher gram equivalent yield (13.50 q ha') and net profit (Rs. 10142 ha) than that of gram during 1999-00, while it was at par during 2000-01. Among the mulches, application of rice straw mulch recorded significantly higher grain yield (6.49 q ha¹) and net return (Rs. 10142 ha) and it was on par with that of soil and stubble mulch. Regarding interaction effect safflower with rice straw mulch gave significantly higher grain yield (12.29 q ha¹), which was at par with that of soil stubble mulch.

Key words : Safflower, Gram, Lathyrus, Lentil, Greengram, Mulch, Yield, Economics, On farm, Rainfed.