Crop Diversification: Findings from a Field Research Programme

This book is the outcome of a multidisciplinary field research designed to identify the potentials for and constraints to adopting crop diversification in a rice-based system. The key issues addressed in this book are: - Do the new horticultural crops synchronize within the existing cropping patterns? - How do the farmers adopt and react to the improved production, pest management and irrigation management practices of rice as well as newly introduced horticultural crops? - What is the soil fertility status and how can it be improved by changing cropping patterns? - How can the farmers process and preserve horticultural crops such as potatoes and cucumber at low cost? - What is the profitability of rice and non-rice crops and the extent of water selling for irrigating diversified crops? - Given the resource constraints of an average farmer, what is the optimum crop plan to maximize his return? This study shows that many of the cropping patterns incorporating high-value horticultural crops are very profitable, but the farmers need extension advice and training on improved production, pest management and irrigation practices that are required for the newly introduced crops. The availability of cash, quality seed and plant protection measures are also needed for promoting crop diversification. This book will be of interest to policy planners, researchers and those involved in agricultural extension and irrigation management.