689 Karnataka J. Agric. Sci., 23 (5) : (689-692) 2010 Investigation on economically viable alternative cropping systems for FCV tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum ) in Karnataka M. DINESH KUMAR, D. CHANNA NAIK, S. SRIDHARA, T. S. VAGEESH, G. K. GIRIJESH AND S. RANGAIAH AINRP (T), Zonal Agricultural Research Station, University of Agricultural Sciences, Shimoga - 577 204, India E mail: dinesh_mk03@rediffmail.com (Received : March, 2010) Abstract: : A field experiment was conducted for three years (2003, 2004 and 2005) during kharif season at Zonal Agricultural Research Station, Shimoga, Karnataka. Sole crop of FCV tobacco was compared with maize, chilli, groundnut, red gram, cotton, french bean and intercrop of maize + red gram (2:1), groundnut + red gram (4:1), hybrid cotton+chilli+groundnut (3rows) and hybrid cotton + chilli + french bean (3rows) in randomized RCBD design. Tobacco crop performed better in terms of gross and net returns (Rs.19,720/ha) as it fetched higher price in the market. Among the sole crops tried, chilli and french bean were the next best remunerative crops as they recorded higher net returns of Rs. 15,080/ha and Rs.13,410/ha, respectively. Maize+redgram (2:1) and groundnut +redgram (4:2) achieved higher benefit cost ratio compared to tobacco. These intercropping combinations performed better with respect to land equivalent ratio and relative crowding coefficient (>1). Both the high intensification cropping systems viz., cotton+chilli+groundnut and hybrid cotton+chilli+french bean recorded maximum net returns ( Rs.22,707/ ha and 21,832/ha), benefit cost ratio (2. 26 and 2.37) and highest land equivalent ratio (1.59 and 1.66) and can be economically viable alternate to FCV tobacco. Key words : FCV tobacco, alternative cropping system, land equivalent ratio, intercropping Introduction In India an area of 2.12 lakh ha is under FCV tobacco cultivation with a production of around 253 million kg. In Karnataka, FCV tobacco (Nicotiana tobaccum) is one of the principal commercial crops cultivated in the transition tract covering an area of 0.85 lakh ha in districts of Mysore, Hassan, Davangere, Shimoga, Chikmagalur and Chamarajanagara (Krishnamurthy, 2009). Millions of people are engaged in the production, manufacture and distribution of tobacco and its products. While tobacco contribution to the Indian economy is well documented, there are very few studies that document the adverse health and economic burdens due to tobacco. Tobacco use results in severe societal costs like reduced productivity, health-cost burdens and environmental damage (Anon, 1999). Government of India is a signatory to FCTC (Frame Work Convention on Tobacco Control), the global public health treaty under the auspices of WHO aimed at reducing tobacco supply. In the light of the growing concerns about the health hazards of tobacco, it is necessary for the tobacco growers and the researchers to look for alternative crops and cropping systems, which are equally remunerative. As a result of treaty, cultivation of tobacco crop is bound to be banned completely for cultivation by 2020. To comply with the UN frame work convention, the centre had allotted Rs. 1,000 crores for growing medicinal plants as an alternative to tobacco (www.livemint.com). Towards fulfilling the mandatory requirement, government is asking to wean away the farmers from tobacco cultivation and take up alternative crops. In a quest to find out the suitable alternative crops that are sustainable and commercially viable, the present study was under taken. Material and methods A field experiment was conducted for three consecutive years (2003, 2004 and 2005) during kharif rain fed season at Zonal Agricultural Research Station, Shimoga, Karnataka. The soil of the experimental site was red sandy loam, slightly acidic in nature (pH 5.9), medium in organic carbon (0.54 %), rich in phosphorus (P=24 kg/ha) and low in potassium (K 2 O=112 kg/ ha) status. The experiment was laid out in a randomized completely block design replicated three times. The treatments consisted of growing sole crops of tobacco (Var. Thrupthi), maize (Var. NAC 6004), chilli (Var. Byadagi), groundnut (Var.TMV 2), redgram (Var. Hyb. 3c), Hybrid cotton (DCH 32), french bean (Var. Arka Sudha) and intercrop of red gram+maize (1:2) red gram + groundnut (1:4), Hybrid cotton+chilli+groundnut (3 rows) and Hybrid cotton+chilli+ french bean (3 rows). Recommended spacing and fertilizer dose was used for sole crops. Red gram + maize/groundnut were taken up as replacement series. To that extent fertilizer dose was tuned and applied. As a high intensity cropping series, Hybrid Cotton was grown in paired row of 90x60 cm leaving 120 cm spacing after every two rows. In the rows of cotton, chili was transplanted as an intra crop and in between cotton rows three rows of groundnut / french bean was taken up at 30x10 cm spacing. Cotton and chilli population was 12,345 plants/ha with an additional crops of french bean or groundnut at 1,11,111 plants/ha. Based on the population, the fertilizer application was followed taking individual crop into consideration. The french bean and chilli were harvested green and sold at the prevailing market price. The yield of each crop harvested was converted into per ha basis and also to that of tobacco equivalent yield. For all the three years, economics was also worked out. In order to assess the yield advantages of intercropping combinations, parameters viz., land equivalent ratio, relative crowding coefficient, aggressivity and competition ratio were worked out. The annual rainfall of 730, 849 and1,397 mm were recorded respectively for 2003, 2004 and 2005 as against the normal of 855mm. The tobacco equivalent yield data was subjected to statistical analysis at five per cent level of significance to interpret the treatment differences.