Enhancing Rainfed Sesame (Sesamum Indicum L) Productivity and Economics through Organic Inputs and Legume Intercropping
Abstract
This study explores the impact of combining farmyard manure (FYM) with legume intercropping on sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) yield, and economics under rainfed conditions in Arunachal Pradesh. The experiment included 7 treatments that is T1 (control), T2 (FYM6t +Intercropping 2:1), T3 (FYM6t+intercropping 2:2), T4 (FYM7t+Intercropping 2:1), T5 (FYM7t +Intercropping 2:2), T6 (FYM8t + Intercropping 2:1) and T7 (FYM 8t +, Intercropping 2:2). The layout used was Randomized Block Design (RBD) with 3 replications. Results showed that FYM at 8 t/ha with a 2:1 sesame-to-black gram intercropping pattern (T6) recorded highest yield attributes of number of capsule per plant (33.00), number of seed per capsule (25.33), capsule length (3.07 cm), test weight (2.90 g), seed yield (0.39t/ha), straw yield (1.29t/ha) and harvest index (22.57%) as compared to all other treatments. It was also observed that the treatment T6 (FYM8t + Intercropping 2:1) recorded highest cost of cultivation (₹33,000), gross return (₹117,000), net returns (₹84,000/ha), and B.C ratio (3.55) as compared to all other treatments.
This study confirms that integrating FYM and legume intercropping improves sesame performance while supporting ecological sustainability.
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Introduction
Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)is one of the most ancient and significant oilseed crops cultivated in India, known for its high oil content (42–50%) and protein-rich seeds (20–25%) (Miah et al., 2015). It is particularly well-suited to rainfed conditions due to its short growth duration, adaptability to marginal soils, and drought tolerance. However, sesame productivity remains far below its genetic potential, especially in northeastern India, where it averages only 367 kg/ha (Anonymous, 2019), primarily due to low soil fertility, mono-cropping, and poor crop management practices (Pathak et al., 2017).
In the context of sustainable intensification of rainfed farming, the integration of organic nutrient sources and legume-based cropping systems offers an ecologically sound approach. Farmyard manure (FYM) is a valuable organic input that improves soil structure, microbial activity, and nutrient availability while reducing dependence on chemical fertilizers (Ramesh et al., 2010). It also enhances moisture retention and long-term soil productivity, making it suitable for dryland and hill agriculture (Zerihun et al., 2019).
Legume intercropping, particularly with crops like black gram (Vigna mungo), offers multiple benefits, including biological nitrogen fixation, improved land-use efficiency, weed suppression, and increased system stability (Mandal and Prama nick, 2014; Horwith, 1985). Intercropping has also been shown to improve the economic viability of smallholder farms by providing additional income and reducing input costs (Moola et al., 2020).
Although FYM and legume intercropping have been studied individually, there is limited research on their combined influence on sesame performance, especially in the rainfed hill ecosystems of Arunachal Pradesh. Understanding the interaction between different FYM levels and sesame-legume intercropping patterns is essential to developing sustainable and location-specific crop management strategies. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to investigate the combined effect of organic inputs (FYM) and black gram intercropping on the growth, yield, quality, and economics of sesame under rainfed conditions. The results aim to provide integrated, low-input solutions for improving sesame productivity and farmer profitability in marginal environments.
Conclusion
The combined application of FYM (8 t/ha) and legume intercropping (2:1) significantly improves sesame productivity and profitability under rainfed conditions. This approach offers a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to intensive chemical inputs.
V. ACKNOWLEDGMENT The authors are thankful to Department of agronomy, Himalayan University, jollang, Itanagar 791111, Arunachal Pradesh, India for providing us necessary facilities to undertake the studies.
