In a recent study, the Centre for Economic and Social Studies (CESS) has underscored the vitality of a multi-cropping system in farming. Unlike mono-cropping, which involves planting only one crop on a field, multi-cropping permits farmers to grow two or more crops on their farmland within a year.
About Multi-Cropping
Multi cropping is common in tropical regions that receive heavy rainfall, high temperatures, and have an extended growing season. It includes inter-cropping, mixed-cropping and relay cropping. Intercropping involves growing two or more crops simultaneously in a specific cropping pattern. Additionally, relay cropping entails the cultivation of two or more crops on the same field, with the second crop being planted after the first has reached its reproductive stage. Lastly, mixed intercropping incorporates growing more than one crop simultaneously without any distinct row arrangement.
Economic Benefits of Multi-Cropping
The implementation of a multi-cropping system provides several economic benefits. It ensures increased productivity by utilizing land and labor effectively, thereby driving up profit and stabilizing farm income. Multi-crops or polycrops provide fodder stocks for cattle and ensure food security; even if one or two crops fail, the remaining crops can still provide food throughout the year. Moreover, crops yield not only grains but also fodder and fuelwood for varied uses.
Agronomic Benefits of Multi-Cropping
Equally important are the agronomic benefits that come with this system. It aids in pest management by reducing pest problems and facilitates efficient use of soil nutrients, water, and land. When leguminous crops (which convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form plants can use) are intercropped with nitrogen-hungry crops like young maize plants and sorghum, they ensure soil nutrients are used efficiently. Furthermore, multi-cropping suppresses weeds and promotes sustainable crop production by reducing the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
Multi-Cropping: Key Facts
| Crop Systems | Description |
|---|---|
| Intercropping | Two or more crops grown simultaneously in a definite pattern. |
| Relay cropping | Second crop is planted after the first has reached its reproductive stage. |
| Mixed intercropping | More than one crop grown without any distinct row arrangement. |
About the Centre for Economic and Social Studies (CESS)
The CESS, established as an autonomous research Centre in 1980, was recognized as a national institute by the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) under the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India, in 1986. It has been registered under Section 6(1) (a) of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act 1976. The center has been instrumental in conducting studies that shed light on important socio-economic matters.
