Economic feasibility of proposed cropping patterns under different soil moisture regimes of Pothwar plateau

Ten cropping patterns were evaluated for their economic efficiency under rainfed conditions for three years (2003-06) at three locations in Pothwar plateau representing high, medium and low rainfall conditions. The legume based cropping patterns, compared to others, and conserved relatively a higher percentage of soil moisture (9.06-13.41%) at all locations. A highest benefit cost ratio in high rainfall zone was recorded in fallow-wheat (2.90) and sunflower + mung bean intercropping based cropping patterns (2.79). Under medium and low rainfall regimes, fallow-wheat and groundnut based cropping patterns proved most efficient and remunerative. The economic analysis of the data revealed the highest gross and net benefits for sunflower + mung bean based cropping pattern in high rainfall zone (Rs.54077.00 and 34738.00 per ha, respectively). However, these benefits were highest in groundnut based cropping patterns in medium and low rainfall zones. The marginal rates of returns were substantially higher for canola based cropping patterns at all the locations (220.91-341.60%). However, fallow-wheat cropping pattern showed promising marginal rate of returns under both high and low rainfall conditions. The performance was well evident from groundnut and canola based cropping patterns at all locations in terms of soil moisture, benefit cost ratio, net returns and marginal rates of returns.