ICAR Institutes based centres:

1. ICAR Research Complex Goa,
2. ICAR Research Complex Patna,
3. ICAR Research Complex Umiam,
4. ICAR Research Complex Port Blair,
5. PDCSR Modipuram, Meerut
   

• To develop profitable and energy efficient cropping systems with special emphasis on oilseeds, pulses and fodder crops

• To develop integrated nutrient management supply and management systems with emphasis on locally available resources and

• To improve fertilizer use efficiency in cropping systems through the use of efficient carriers, amendments and residual effects.
  

1. Under irrigated conditions, groundnut-wheat and hybrid sorghum- wheat crop sequences should be followed for higher gross monetary returns. (Nagpur, 1984-85 to 1986-87)
2. For maximum gross monetary returns, rice (Sakoli-6) in kharif and wheat (NI-5439) on residual moisture in rabi should be taken with recommended fertilizer dose in rice-wheat crop sequence as against the traditional monoculture practice of growing long duration variety of rice alone. (Nagpur, 1984-85 to 1986-87).
3. Green gram (TAP-7)-safflower (Bhima) crop sequence under improved practices with recommended fertilizer dose of 20:40:0 kg NPK/ha to green gram and 25:25:0 kg NPK/ha to safflower should be adopted under rainfed condition for higher yields than the farmers’ practice. (Yavatmal, 1993-94 to 1995-96)
4. Under rainfed condition, broad bed furrow (BBF) technology for groundnut in kharif and chickpea in rabi should be adopted for increasing the productivity in groundnut-chickpea crop sequence. (Yavatmal, 1993-94 to 1995-96)
   

1. Under limited irrigation availability up to the month of February, Maize-sunflower or sorghum-sunflower cropping systems be followed for higher monetary returns (Buldhana, 1997-98 to 1998-99).
2. In Sorghum-Wheat crop sequence 50% recommended dose of N should be applied through leucaena loppings (5t/ha) or FYM (10t/ha) + 50% NPK through inorganic fertilizer to sorghum and recommended dose through inorganic fertilizer to wheat for higher productivity, monetary return and nitrogen economy. This confirms the earlier recommendation of on station experiments (Buldhana, 1997-98 to 1998-99)
   

In Vidarbha region 80-90% area is under kharif crops and on remaining area both kharif and rabi crops are cultivated and very few area is under summer crops cultivation. But looking towards the increasing population day by day and to fulfill the food requirement of the increasing population and fodder requirement for animals. It is necessary to cultivate more than one crop in a year.
The doubled cropping can be possible in rainfed condition of Vidarbha region by adopting appropriate agronomic techniques of moisture conservation. Now a days it is essential to take multiple cropping where there is a perennial source of irrigation.
For maintaining soil fertility and control the life cycle of pest, disease and weed. Crop rotation is essential
Considering the above requirement the experiment was conducted (1997 – 2003) with an objective to study the effect of rotation of crop sequences and changing proportions of cereals, legumes and oilseeds on crop productivity and soil fertility.
The results revealed that, considering the monetary returns, benefit cost ratio, comparable total grain productivity and maintenance of soil fertility, a two years crop rotation of sorghum –chickpea, in the first year and maize – wheat or soybean – wheat or soybean – sunflower in the second year should be grown with recommended package of practices.
Merits of Crop rotation.
• Diversification of crops helps in reducing financial loss due to unfavorable weather conditions.
• Overall increase in the yield due to addition of organic matter ultimately improve soil health.
• Incidence of pest, disease and weeds are reduced.
• Helps to prevent soil erosion.
• Meet various needs of the farmer.