Abstract

Denkanikotta Taluk is a part of Northwestern agroclimatic zone of Tamil Nadu and 80 per cent area is under rainfed farming The daily rainfall data for 44 years (1940-83) were analysed. Winter, summer, southwest monsoon and Northeast monsoon periods on an average receive 13, 195, 426 and 332 mm respectively. Rains during May in summer, July and September during Southwest and October in Northeast monsoon periods are more dependable. It brought out the feasibility of introducing a second crop in traditionally single cropped drylands. The crop substitution of cowpea in the place of horsegram is also proposed to increase the net income. Suggestions are also made to have double cropping systems with existing cultivars.

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