Performance of promising linseed (Linum usitatissimum) cultivars under zero-till condition in rice (Oryza sativa)–fallows of Eastern India

An experiment was conducted during the winter (rabi) season of 2017–18 and 2018–19 at the ICAR–Research Complex for Eastern Region, Patna, Bihar to identify the most suitable linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) cultivars/ lines in rice (Oryza sativa L.)–fallow system. Amongst the linseed cultivars, ‘Uma’ (1.28 t/ha) was noted at par with ‘RLC 143’ (1.21 t/ha) and showed significantly highest seed yield compared with the other tested cultivars. With respect to the economic feasibility, linseed cv. ‘Uma’ linseed being at par with ‘RLC 143’ and showed significantly highest gross returns (`51.3×103 /ha), net returns (`31.0 × 103 /ha), benefit: cost ratio (2.5) and economic efficiency (`240/ha/day) compared with rest of the cultivars. Thus, linseed cv. ‘Uma’ and ‘RLC 143’ exhibited a promising option to augment the productivity as well as profitability of rice–fallows areas of eastern India.