LAHORE: Chairman Rice Research and Development Board Punjab Shahzad Ali Malik Sunday stressed the urgent for switching over to “Inter cropping,” for growing two or multiple crops simultaneously in the same field for bumper agricultural production to achieve food autarky besides boosting profitability of farmers across the country.
Talking to a delegation of progressive farmers led by Pir Saddam Hussain Shah of Pindi Shaikh Musa district Faisalabad here today he said Inter cropping can significantly enhance overall crop productivity. By growing different crops together, farmers can maximize the use of available resources, such as sunlight, water, and nutrients, he added. He said the complementary nature of different crops helps in better utilization of the growing space, resulting in higher yields per acre. The added income from inter cropping can improve farm profitability and financial stability.
He said Inter cropping provides a form of insurance against crop failure. If one crop is susceptible to pests, diseases, or adverse weather conditions, the other crops in the mixture can compensate for the losses, he added. This diversification of crops reduces the risk of complete crop failure and helps farmers maintain a more stable income.
He said different crops have different nutrient requirements and Inter cropping allows for the efficient utilization of soil nutrients, as crops with contrasting nutrient needs can be grown together. He said overall, inter cropping offers numerous advantages, including increased yield, risk reduction, efficient resource utilization, weed suppression, pest and disease management, soil improvement, economic benefits, and environmental sustainability. It is a valuable strategy for optimizing agricultural production and promoting resilient and sustainable farming systems, he added.
Shahzad Ali Malik Sitara-e-Imtiaz highlighting its advantages said some crops act as natural repellents or attractants for pests, which can help in pest management without relying solely on chemical interventions.
While concluding he said on the other hand, Inter cropping promotes biodiversity and ecological balance in agricultural systems. By cultivating diverse crops, farmers create habitats for beneficial insects, birds, and other organisms, which help in natural pest control and pollination.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2023