Economic performance of dual-purpose oilseed rape under different intercropping systems in Trans-Gangetic Plains of India

The study aimed to ascertain the effect of intercropping canola-quality oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) along with its use for dual purposes in central and western plain zones of Punjab during 2020–21. Oilseed rape sown at different row spacing and with different intercrops was laid out in a randomized block design consisting of nine treatments with three replications. Results reveal that a lower number of seeds/siliquae and siliquae per plant were observed in different intercropping systems and cut treatments, leading to lower seed production. Oilseed rape sown at 45 cm row spacing (uncut) observed maximum plant height of 209.75 cm at maturity. A maximum green fodder yield of 8.40 t/ha was observed in oilseed rape sown at 22.5 cm row spacing (cutting followed by removal of alternate rows for fodder). Sole uncut treatment of oilseed rape sown at 45 cm row spacing produces a maximum seed yield of 2.45 t/ha and stover yield of 11.34 t/ha. The highest net returns of 1,47,935 `/ha and benefit: cost ratio of 4.96 were observed in oilseed rape sown at 45 cm row spacing (cut) + one row of Indian rape (Brassica rapa var. Toria) sown simultaneously.