Feasibility of pineapple as an intercrop in small holdings of rubber in Muvattupuzha taluk

Abstract

Muvattupuzha is a taluk where majority of people earn their living through agriculture. The literacy level of people is high. Among the crops raised, rubber is having great importance and it covers larger area. Almost all the rubber growers raise some intercrop during the first three years of immaturity of rubber to get some income. As an intercrop in rubber, pineapple has received much attention in recent years. The present study is an attempt to find out the benefits of growing pineapple as intercrop, to work out the B. C. R and to study its feasibility when compared to other cropping systems. Irrespective of the size of holding pineapple is used for intercropping in many units. Pineapple as intercrop was found to slightly retard the growth of rubber in the immaturity period and at tappable stage. Considering the long gestation period of 5 to 7 years and the profitability of intercropping during this period when there is no other income, it can be ignored. Cost analysis has proved that pineapple is a profitable intercrop in young rubber plantations. Among the varieties of pineapple, Mauritius is preferred due to higher profitability (B. C. R 2.4), easy management practices and marketability. Cultural operations for pineapple is not difficult, requiring minimum digging compared with other crops. Though the profitability depends on market price during harvesting period, it is fetching comparatively higher returns on account of comparatively stable prices. In Muvattupuzha taluk there is good marketing facility for pineapple. Fruits are sold in open market and through cooperative societies. The study revealed that soil erosion and weed growth are low or medium in pineapple intercropped plots. The study highlighted the potential of pineapple as an intercrop in rubber plantations in the taluk. The growing popularity of the crop is evident from the steady expansion of area under pineapple in all the villages of the taluk which was initially confined to selected regions.