Exploring possibilities of Potato cultivation in Rice-Fallow of Sikkim: Potato cultivation in rice-fallow

Frontline demonstration on potato (Kufri Sindhuri) was conducted by Krishi Vigyan Kendra, East Sikkim, India. A total 158 nos. of demonstration were conducted in rice-fallow (farmers’ practice) at farmer’s field in nine numbers of villages during the year 2019-20. Results revealed that average yield of rice and potato recorded was 2.09 t/ha and 14.13 t/ha, respectively. Higher system rice equivalent yield (REY) was recorded 16.22 t/ha in rice-potato and 2.1 t/ha and rice-fallow system. System production efficiency (SPE) was also higher in rice-potato (62.14 kg/ha/day) as compared to rice-fallow (14.51 kg/ha/day). Land use efficiency (LUE) was recorded 71.51 % and 39.45 % in rice-potato and rice-fallow system, respectively. Net return was found Rs.16032/ha in rice-fallow and Rs.183952/- with rice-potato system during the years of demonstration. Higher benefit to cost (B: C) ratio was found 2.82:1 in rice-potato than in rice-fallow (1.62:1) system. Economic efficiency was also recorded higher in rice -potato (704.80 Rs/ha/day) than rice-fallow (111.33 Rs/ha/day) during the demonstrated year. Hence, it may be concluded that the inclusion of potato in rice -fallow is an option for increasing the additional income of the farmers for their livelihood improvement.