Dr BR Kamboj, Vice-Chancellor of Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University (HAU), said that the adoption of intercropping in sugarcane cultivation can increase farmers’ income and make agriculture more profitable.
He was addressing scientists and farmers during his visit to demonstration plots at the university’s Regional Research Station in Uchana. On the occasion, he inspected sugarcane demonstration plots planted at a spacing of 4 feet, whereas farmers traditionally cultivate sugarcane at a spacing of about 2.5 feet.
Dr Kamboj appreciated the successful demonstrations of sesame, groundnut, moong, soybean, okra and other crops grown alongside sugarcane.
He said that such intercropping systems should be widely promoted through intensive extension activities so that farmers can obtain additional income and ensure better utilisation of land and resources. He also discussed the recently developed sugarcane variety CoH-191, noting that it is highly suitable and beneficial for intercropping systems.
Dr Kamboj added that cultivation of oilseed crops like sesame and groundnut along with sugarcane during the kharif season would help reduce the country’s edible oil deficit. He further stated that including pulse crops would improve soil fertility and reduce dependence on chemical fertilisers.
Earlier, Dr Sanjay Kumar, Regional Director; Dr Dalip Gosain, former Principal Scientist (Agricultural Extension) and Head, KVK, NDRI; Dr MC Kamboj, consultant faculty; and other scientists welcomed the Vice-Chancellor.
Dr Gosain noted that this method of sugarcane planting requires less seed material and facilitates easier application of fertilisers. He also said that intercropping provides additional working days for farm labourers, generating extra economic benefits for farmers and labourers alike.
Dr Kamboj and other scientists at the Regional Research Station also shared information about ongoing research programmes on the latest maize varieties. Dr Kamboj informed that upcoming maize varieties would possess higher protein content and greater yield potential.
The Vice-Chancellor urged farmers to adopt scientific methods and move towards diversified cropping systems, stating that intercropping with sugarcane can become an effective income-enhancing model for small and medium farmers.
