Sustainability Enhancement of Traditional Cropping Framework in Surgana Tehsil of Nashik District Through MAP-based Intercropping

Traditional cropping framework in Surgana Tehsil Primary Crops Grown in Surgana Tehsil crop rotations in tribals of Surgana mixed cropping framework in Surgana obstructions of Traditional cropping framework in Surgana sustainability enhancement by Integration of Heterogeneity in crops through MAPs-based intercropping pattern

Selection of study area, visits were organized to tribal farmers and farming area and field data collection was carried out during the whole cropping season.

  From decades ago, there has been 5-30% drop in mountain farming in hilly and tribal areas of Maharashtra.  Only selected varieties of cereals, pulses, amaranths etc. are important cash crops in the hilly areas of Surgana Tehsil. In conventional cropping pattern, proso millet, finger millet, rice, pea, chick pea, pigeon pea, amaranth etc. were used by farmers of Surgana for mixed cropping system. This conventional cropping patterns are not found much profitable and unable to fulfil the demands of growing population. In such tribal and hilly areas of Surgana, turmeric, hemp, stevia, Tinospora, Asparagus, mint, long pepper, isabgol, lemon grass, ginger, Chlorophytum (safed musli) etc. medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) can play extraordinary role in improving the sustainability of the tribal farming. Nevertheless, these crops yet  are not a part of the cropping pattern in Surgana. MAP based intercropping with conventional cropping will obviously enhance the yields of main crops and make extra income to the tribal families. The topography and climatic condition of Surgana is convenient for growth of these crops and incorporation of MAPs with main crops is another choice to boost the agril production in Surgana.

The present study concludes in the direction of development in socioeconomic circumstance of Surgana farmers through advent of MAPs as intercrops in the current cropping System. Crop Diversification in present cropping framework including MAPs may be helpful to satisfy the needs of the tribal farmer’s family in addition to improve the standard of living.