Economic and sustainable appraisal of organic growers through no-till garden pea (Pisum sativum) under rice (Oryza sativa)-fallow

Low productivity and profitability are the major constraints of organic growers due to continuous rice (Oryza sativa L.) -fallow practice in Sikkim Himalayas. No-till garden pea (Pisum sativum L.) cultivation in rice-fallow may be an option for enhancing the productivity and profitability of the farmers in this region. Hence, to test the feasibility of no-till garden pea cultivation in the rice-fallow area, a frontline demonstration was carried out by the ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), East Sikkim during 2017-20 for increasing productivity, profitability and sustainability of the rice-fallow. Results indicated that rice yield was ranged from 20.8-22.6 q/ha during three years. The three-year mean of rice equivalent yield (REY) was recorded 107.23 q/ha and 21.6 q/ha under rice-garden pea and rice-fallow system, respectively. Higher production efficiency (39.87 kg/ha/day), economic efficiency (503.80 (sic)/ha/day) and land-use efficiency (73.51%) were recorded in the rice-garden pea system compared to rice-fallow. Soil organic carbon (SOC) was 7.20% higher under the rice-garden pea system after 3 cropping cycles. The average net return and benefit-cost ratio was recorded (sic)135091/ha, (sic)19793/ha, and 2.83, 1.83 under rice-garden pea and rice-fallow, respectively. Higher output energy, net energy and energy productivity were recorded in rice-garden pea as compared to rice-fallow. Hence, it may be concluded that the inclusion of garden pea is an option for improving the productivity, profitability, and soil health and energy use efficiency under Sikkim Himalayas.