Name: Gayathri B. A. & M. S. Ramananda
Country: India

Year: 2025
Volume: Volume No: 12, Issue No: 2, Year: 2025 (Special Issue-2)
Page Number: 54-65
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17721713

ABSTRACT
Arecanut, commonly known as betel nut, is one of the most important commercial plantation
crops in India, with Karnataka being the leading producer. Within the state, Shivamogga
district holds prominence due to its favorable climate, extensive cultivation, and the
prevalence of intercrop systems such as banana, pepper, cocoa, and turmeric. As arecanut is a
perennial crop with wide spacing, it provides considerable scope for intercropping, which
enhances resource use efficiency and secures additional income for farmers. In this present
research experiment was conducted in the Shivamogga District in Karnataka using four
different cropping models. Model I consisted of areca nut as a monocrop. Model II included
areca nut intercropped with banana, vegetables, and pulses. Model III comprised areca nut
intercropped with ginger, maize, pulses, and brinjal. Model IV involved areca nut
intercropped with tomato, pulses, and a tomato–chilli–pulses combination. These cropping
systems were established during 2014–15 on an experimental site with ten-year-old areca nut
palms. The cost and income analysis of arecanut-based cropping systems clearly shows how
intercropping improves overall profitability compared to sole arecanut cultivation. In Model-I
(sole arecanut), the total cost of cultivation is ₹10,91,000 with an income of ₹11,25,000,
giving only marginal returns. However, when intercrops are introduced, the economic
performance improves significantly. Model-II (arecanut + banana + vegetables + pulses)
requires an additional cost of ₹1,90,000, raising the total cost to ₹12,81,000, but generates an
intercrop income of ₹5,00,000, increasing overall income to ₹16,25,000, where intercrops
contribute about 39.03% of net profit. Similarly, Model-III (arecanut + ginger + maize +
pulses + brinjal) shows the highest profitability, with an additional cost of ₹2,95,000 and
overall cost of ₹13,86,000, yielding ₹8,00,000 from intercrops. This boosts the total income
to ₹19,25,000, with intercrops contributing a significant 57.72% share in net profit, proving it
to be the most economically viable model. Model-IV (arecanut + tomato + chilli + pulses)
also performs well, with an additional cost of ₹2,50,000 and total cost of ₹13,41,000,
generating ₹6,00,000 from intercrops and achieving an overall income of ₹17,25,000, with
intercrops contributing 44.74% of net profit. Thus, the study indicates that intercropping not
only increases total farm income but also reduces the economic risk associated with sole
arecanut cultivation, with Model-III standing out as the most profitable and sustainable
option.