Evaluation of intercropping efficiency and profitability on Okra-Cowpea based cropping system in Chitwan district, Nepal

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted in vegetable research farm of Agriculture and Forestry University, Chitwan to study the intercropping efficiency of okra and cowpea. The experiment was arranged in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four replications. One row of okra and two rows of okra was intercropped with cowpea. Data collected was subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the least significant difference (LSD) test was carried out at the 5% probability level. Intercropping efficiency was measured using Total okra yield equivalent, Land Equivalent Ratio, Percentage land saved and Land Equivalent Coefficient. Result revealed that 1:1 intercropping system as most efficient one that gave highest yield of 21.15 ton/ha with LER of 1.48 saving 32.43% of land. Economic analysis was also carried out using benefit to cost ratio analysis. Sole cowpea gave highest B: C ratio of 1.47 followed by 1:1 intercropping with the value of 1.37 and least B: C ratio was found in sole okra. This study suggested that 1:1 intercropping as beneficial and is recommended for okra growers while sole cropping is recommended for cowpea growing farmers.