Introduction
As Indian agriculture evolves with rising land pressure and climate uncertainty, farmers need smarter strategies to increase yields and stabilize income. One such practice that has stood the test of time is intercropping farming. By growing two or more crops on the same land simultaneously, intercropping boosts soil health, diversifies produce, reduces pest problems, and maximizes land productivity.
This in-depth guide explores the science, benefits, implementation techniques, government schemes, and real-world examples of intercropping in India. Whether you’re a small landholder or a progressive farmer, this practice can change your farming economics.
What is Intercropping?
Intercropping refers to cultivating two or more crops together in the same field during the same growing season. It differs from crop rotation, where crops are planted in sequence, not simultaneously.
Key Concepts:
1.Spatial Arrangement: Crops are planted in alternating rows or patterns.
2.Complementary Pairing: Combining crops that don't compete aggressively for sunlight, nutrients, or water.
3.Resource Optimization: Efficient use of soil nutrients, water, space, and sunlight.
Example: Growing maize with cowpea or cotton with moong dal.
Importance of Intercropping in Indian Context
India is a country with small and fragmented landholdings. More than 85% of farmers in India are small or marginal farmers, having less than 2 hectares of land. For such farmers, efficient use of land is crucial. Intercropping allows:
1.Increased productivity per unit area
2.Utilization of family labor round the year
3.Buffer against crop failure due to weather extremities
4.Higher biodiversity leading to improved farm resilience
This system is also environmentally sustainable as it reduces the need for chemical inputs and helps in better carbon sequestration.
Why Intercropping is Essential for Indian Farmers
1. Improved Land Utilization
You grow more per square foot. This practice ensures better land use than monocropping.
2. Pest & Disease Control
Some crops (like marigold or onion) naturally repel pests. Their presence in intercropping systems reduces the use of pesticides.
3. Better Soil Fertility
Legumes (like urad, moong, and gram) fix nitrogen in the soil, improving fertility for companion crops.
4. Multiple Income Sources
Farmers earn from more than one crop at a time, reducing dependency on a single harvest.
5. Reduced Risk in Bad Seasons
If one crop fails due to pest, disease, or poor weather, the second crop can provide a fallback income.
6. Water Conservation
Smart intercropping combinations reduce the number of irrigation cycles needed.
7. Biodiversity and Ecological Balance
Intercropping enhances agro-biodiversity which improves the ecological resilience of farms. Different crops attract a variety of insects and microorganisms that promote natural pollination and pest control.
Types of Intercropping
Type Description
Mixed Intercropping Random sowing of different seeds together.
Row Intercropping Crops sown in separate, distinct rows.
Strip Intercropping Wider rows of each crop sown in strips, allowing
machinery use.
Relay Intercropping Second crop sown before the first crop is harvested.
Choosing the Right Type:
1.Mixed intercropping is suitable for kitchen gardens and backyard farms.
2.Row intercropping is preferred for medium and large-scale farms.
3.Strip intercropping is ideal where mechanization is involved.
4.Relay intercropping is best for maximizing seasonal productivity.
Best Intercropping Combinations in India
Main Crop Intercrop Season Region
Maize Cowpea Kharif MP, Maharashtra
Sugarcane Garlic, Onion Rabi Bihar, UP
Cotton Moong, Urad Kharif Gujarat, Rajasthan
Sorghum (Jowar)Gram (Chana) Rabi Karnataka, Telangana
Wheat Mustard Rabi Punjab, Haryana
Groundnut Castor or Sunflower Kharif Andhra Pradesh, TN
Paddy (Rice) Sesbania (green manure) Kharif Odisha, West Bengal
Banana Turmeric Annual Kerala, Tamil Nadu
How to Choose Right Combination:
1.Pick crops with different root depths (to reduce nutrient competition).
2.Choose crops that mature at different times.
3.Include at least one legume to fix nitrogen.
4.Avoid crops vulnerable to similar pests/diseases.
Bonus: Vegetable-Based Intercrops
1.Tomato + Onion
2.Chilli + Brinjal
3.Cauliflower + Garlic
These intercrops fetch premium prices in urban markets.
Seasonal Intercropping Planning (Advisory Style)
Kharif Season (June–Oct)
1.Popular Combos: Maize + Cowpea, Cotton + Moong, Groundnut + Castor
Advisory:
A.Choose short-duration pulses for quick returns.
B.Use ridges and furrows to avoid waterlogging.
C.Monitor early pest attacks due to high humidity.
2. Rabi Season (Oct–March)
Popular Combos: Wheat + Mustard, Sugarcane + Garlic
Advisory:
A.Schedule irrigation carefully during dry spells.
B.Use mulch to conserve soil moisture.
C.Harvest mustard early to reduce shade on wheat.
3. Zaid Season (March–June)
Popular Combos: Moong + Cucumber, Watermelon + Okra
Advisory:
A.Use shade nets for heat-sensitive crops.
B.Apply bio-fertilizers to improve summer yield.
C.Timely marketing is key to capture high prices.
Step-by-Step Guide to Implement Intercropping
1. Soil Testing & Crop Selection
Check pH, nutrients, and salinity.
Select complementary crops suited to soil and climate.
2. Land Preparation
Deep tillage to break hardpan.
Ensure good drainage.
Use leveler and marker tools for row spacing.
3. Sowing Techniques
Adjust spacing according to dominant and intercrop.
Use seed drill for precision.
4. Fertilizer Management
Apply organic manure before sowing.
Use separate fertilizer recommendations for both crops.
Avoid over-fertilizing legume intercrops.
5. Irrigation & Weed Management
Use drip or sprinkler irrigation.
Weed twice in the early growth stage.
6. Crop Protection
Set yellow sticky traps for sucking pests.
Use neem oil or cow dung spray for organic control.
Avoid broad-spectrum pesticides.
7. Harvesting
Staggered harvesting depending on crop.
Store early harvest properly to avoid damage.
Government Support & Schemes
SchemeBenefit
PMKSY (Per Drop More Crop)Subsidy on micro irrigation systems.
NFSM (National Food Security Mission)Support for pulses, oilseeds intercropping.
Kisan Credit CardEasy loans for input purchase.
ATMA & Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs)Training and demo farms.
RKVYProject-based funding for innovative intercropping practices.
Custom Hiring Centres (CHCs)Farm machinery on rent to small farmers.
Farmer Success Story: Maharashtra
Name: Rajesh Bhise (Wardha District)
Land: 1.5 Acres
Intercrop: Maize + Cowpea
Investment: ₹10,000
Revenue: ₹35,000
Profit: ₹25,000
Key Result: Saved 30% water and reduced pests without pesticide.
Takeaway: Combining a cereal (maize) with a legume (cowpea) gives more return per drop of water.
Market Linkage Tips
Tie-up with FPOs (Farmer Producer Organizations) to sell intercrop produce.
Use eNAM (National Agriculture Market) for direct marketing.
Approach local mandis with short-duration intercrop produce to fetch immediate returns.
Smart Tips for Intercropping Success
Always maintain 2:1 or 3:1 row ratios depending on crop canopy.
Avoid pairing two heavy feeder crops.
Use bio-decomposers after harvest to improve soil.
Install windbreaks for protecting taller intercrops.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Choosing crops with similar growth cycles.
Using excessive seeds, causing overcrowding.
Not adjusting fertilizer schedule per crop.
Ignoring intercrop-specific pest problems.
Harvesting dominant crop without protecting intercrop.
Future of Intercropping in India
As climate-resilient agriculture becomes critical, intercropping is gaining global attention. Innovations like AI-based sowing patterns, sensor-based irrigation, and agri-drones will boost the precision of intercropping further.
Organic farming, vertical farming, and permaculture systems are now integrating intercropping as a foundational technique.
FAQs
Q. Can I intercrop vegetables with cereals?
A. Yes, many vegetables work well with cereals like maize, sorghum, and wheat.
Q. Is intercropping good for organic farming?
A. Definitely. It naturally reduces the need for chemical inputs.
Q. Is it suitable for rainfed areas?
A. Yes, choose drought-resistant combinations and conserve moisture with mulching.
Q. How to manage irrigation with two crops?
A. Use drip irrigation and manage based on dominant crop's water needs.
Q. What tools are required for intercropping?
A. Seed drill, row markers, inter-row weeders, and mulching tools are commonly used.
Conclusion
Intercropping is a smart, cost-effective, and environment-friendly way to maximize profits, improve soil health, and manage risk. Farmers across India are adopting it for its flexibility and returns. If implemented properly, it can revolutionize small and large-scale farming alike.
Start small. Choose the right combinations. Join farmer networks. And build your income from the soil up!
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