Crop diversification in arecanut plantation through intercropping of medicinal and aromatic plants
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Date
2006
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Abstract
The experiment was conducted in 2004 to 2006 in 18 year old arecanut plantation at Central Plantation Crops Research Institute, Regional Station, Villal, Kamataka. with intercropping of medicinal plants like Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus). Vetiver (Vetilcrzizanoides), Long pepper (Piper longum), Brahmi (Bacopa monllieri). Nilagirianthus ciliatus. periwinkle (Catharanthus roSCllS), Aloe (Aloe vera or barbadensis), Aswagandha (WithalJia sonUlifera), senna (Cassia anguistifolia) and safed musH (ChlorophytulIl borivillial1l1m) and aromatic plants like lemon grass (Cymbopogon jle_tIlOlls). Palmarosa (Cymbopogoll marrillii), Basil (Ocimlllll basilicum). Davana (Artemisia pallens) and Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin) and geranium. All the medicinal and aromatic plants tried in arecanut plantation except senna, safed musli and geranium performed better. Shatavari produced fresh root yield of 14.3 tlha of arecanut garden and contributed maximum chali equivalent yield (2045 kg ha·l ). The net return accrued by intercropping of shatavari per ha of arecanut plantation was highest (Rs. 80,000) followed by Nilagirianthus ciliatus (Rs. 42.000) bramhi (Rs. 39.380) and vetiver (Rs. 31,000). Aromatic plants like lemon grass. patchouli, davana, palmarosa and basil performed better with chali equivalent varying between 406 kg ha·l in case of basil to 1286 kg hal in lemon grass. All medicinal and aromatic crops contributed to productivity increase of 10.7% in basil to 53% in shatavari in terms of chali equivalent per hectare of arecanut garden. Aromatic plants like lemon grass, patchouli davana and palmarosa found highly profitable with net returns of Rs. 22700·58387 per hectare of arecanut plantation. In terms of net profit per rupee investment, all medicinal and aromatic plants were found superior
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Arecanut, medicinal plants, aromatic plants, intercroppiing, net returns
Citation
Journal of Plantation Crops, 2006. 34 (3):318-322