Productivity, profitability and resource use efficiency of potato (Solarium tuberosum) based cropping systems in eastern Himalayan region

A field experiment was conducted during three consecutive years of 2011 to 2013 at Central Potato Research Station, Shillong to evaluate the economic feasibility of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) based cropping system under rainfed condition of eastern Himalayan region. There were seven cropping systems replicated thrice under randomized block design. The potato was the main crop during summer season while succeeding seven crops (potato, maize, cabbage, cauliflower, carrot, raj mash and radish) were taken during autumn season. Results revealed that potato based various cropping sequence differ significantly for most of the desirable parameters which decided the economic viability to adopt the system approach for efficient utilization of natural resources. Among the cropping systems, potato-cabbage recorded significantly the highest potato tuber equivalent yield (51.6 tonnes/ha), production efficiency (210.5 kg/ha/day), economic efficiency ([SIC] 1414.6/ha/day), maximum net monetary return ([SIC] 366.8 x 10(3)/ha), benefit cost ratio (3.5) and energy productivity (1.35 kg/MJ). Hence, potato-cabbage was concluded as the most stable and profitable cropping system for the ecosystem of eastern Himalayan region.