Effect of Diversification on System Productivity and Profitability under North Bihar Condition

A field experiment was conducted during three seasons of 2019-20 at RPCAU, Pusa to evaluate the Effect of Diversification on System Productivity and Profitability under North Bihar Condition. Treatment comprised cropping systems in main plots: C1 - Rice - Wheat - Fallow, C2 - Rice - Wheat - Green Gram, C3 - Rice - Maize - Dhaincha, C4 - Rice - Maize + Potato - Dhaincha, C5 - Rice - Maize + Green Pea - Dhaincha and moisture regimes in sub plots with 3 days disappearance of ponded water in kharif season, three levels of IW/CPE ratio in rabi season I1: IW/CPE = 0.6, I2: IW/CPE = 0.8, I3: IW/CPE = 1.0 and one or two irrigation in zaid season if required. Maximum rice grain yield (5.36 t/ha) was observed at C5 cropping system which was significantly superior to C1 and at par with C2, C3 and C4 cropping system. Maximum Production Efficiency (92.13 kg/ha/day) and Profitability (1156.49 ?/ha/day) was found at C4 cropping system which was significantly superior to C1, C2, C3 and C5 Cropping system. In sub plots maximum Production Efficiency (56.72 kg/ha/day), and Profitability (685.88 ?/ha/day) was found at I3 which was significantly superior to I2 and I1. Relative Production efficiency was found to be maximum in C4 (204.36 %) and I3 (13.58 %) cropping system.

Zero Tillage Lead to Enhanced Productivity and Soil Health

Zero Tillage (ZT) is a critical agricultural practice that emphasizes minimal soil disturbance. This study explores the future prospects of ZT, focusing on three essential dimensions: technological advancements, climate change considerations, and potential growth in adoption rates. The technological innovations in precision agriculture, robotics, artificial intelligence, and biotechnology are found to play a pivotal role in enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of ZT. These advances allow for more intelligent and targeted approaches, reducing waste and aligning farming practices with broader sustainability goals. Climate change also plays a significant role in shaping ZT's future. ZT's inherent properties of soil moisture conservation, reduced erosion, and carbon sequestration make it a valuable strategy for climate mitigation and adaptation. The study reveals that the global urgency to address climate change might act as a catalyst for ZT's growth, aligning it with key strategies in future agriculture. The potential growth in ZT adoption rates is examined in light of these technological and environmental factors. The findings suggest that technology's role in lowering barriers and enhancing effectiveness, combined with governmental and organizational support, could drive broader adoption of ZT, particularly in developing countries. Collaborative efforts among various stakeholders, including researchers, policymakers, farmers, and industry, are highlighted as essential to optimize ZT for diverse contexts and needs. The future prospects of Zero Tillage are rich and multifaceted, marked by technological innovation, alignment with climate goals, and a clear path toward broader adoption. The integration of these factors creates a promising landscape for ZT, positioning it as a pivotal practice in shaping sustainable agriculture for the future. This study contributes to the understanding of ZT's future trajectory and offers insights that can guide its continued evolution and impact in the agricultural sector.