In Car Nicobar, traditional subsistence farming remains predominant, with limited adoption of improved and scientific agricultural technologies. Sweet corn production is currently absent in the region, constraining local availability and dietary diversity. The practice of intercropping pulses such as green gram with sweet corn offers significant agronomic benefits, including biological nitrogen fixation, enhanced soil fertility, and improved crop productivity. This approach is particularly relevant in the context of local fertilizer restrictions, as it supports sustainable intensification and food security.
A case in point is Mr. Jan Mahmood, a progressive farmer from Big Lapathy village, Car Nicobar. While adhering to conventional farming systems, Mr. Mahmood recognized the need to enhance productivity and resilience amid climatic variability. With technical guidance from the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Nicobar under ICAR-ATARI Kolkata, he adopted an intercropping system integrating sweet corn and green gram on his farm.
This intervention represents a shift from purely traditional methods toward science-based practices. The intercropping model not only optimizes land use but also aligns with ecological principles by reducing dependency on external inputs. It demonstrates a practical pathway for integrating improved technologies within the local farming context, thereby contributing to sustainable livelihoods and nutritional security in the Nicobar Islands.
The Innovation: Sweet Corn + Green Gram Intercropping: Recognizing the importance of diversification and resource optimization, Mr. Mahmood, with technical support from the Head and subject matter specialists (SMS) of KVK Nicobar, adopted intercropping of sweet corn (Pusa Sweet Corn): with green gram Pusa Vishal in 1:1 and 1:2 ratios. This system allowed him to utilize sunlight, nutrients, and soil moisture more efficiently while enhancing the overall productivity of his farm. The deep-rooted sweet corn complemented the shallow-rooted
Scientific Guidance and Farm Practices Following every recommendation from KVK Nicobar, Mr. Mahmood:
• Selected high-quality seeds of both crops.
• Prepared the field with adequate organic manure and proper spacing for both intercropping ratios.
• Followed an integrated nutrient and pest management plan as advised by KVK scientists.
• Ensured timely irrigation and weeding, keeping the field healthy and aerated throughout the growing period.
The balance between cereals and pulses not only improved soil fertility through nitrogen fixation from green gram but also reduced the need for chemical inputs — aligning with sustainable farming goals.
Harvest and Results
At harvest, Mr. Mahmood’s efforts bore exceptional results:
• Sweet corn yield (Pusa Sweet Corn): Approximately 8.0 tonnes per hectare
• Green gram yield (Pusa Vishal) Approximately 0.6 tonnes per hectare
The intercropping system provided him with higher overall returns compared to monocropping, while maintaining soil health and reducing pest incidence. The 1:1 ratio, in particular, gave excellent results in terms of both yield and profitability.
Economic and Social Impact The cost of cultivation for the 1:1 sweet corn + green gram intercropping system was ₹1,68,675, while the 1:2 intercropping system required ₹1,79,625. The corresponding gross returns were ₹5,57,400 and ₹5,34,200, respectively. The benefit–cost (B:C) ratio was higher under the 1:1 intercropping system (3.30) compared to the 1:2 system (2.97), indicating better economic viability with the 1:1 planting ratio. The success of Mr. Mahmood’s intercropping model not only brought him better income but also enhanced his confidence in adopting scientific and sustainable agricultural practices.
Conclusion Mr. Jan Mahmood’s experience stands as a testament to how innovation guided by scientific support can transform farming outcomes. By adopting sweet corn + green gram intercropping under the mentorship of KVK Nicobar, he has proven that smart diversification leads to better yields, higher profits, and improved soil health.
Today, Mr. Mahmood proudly shares his success with his community, embodying the spirit of progress and sustainability in Car Nicobar’s evolving agricultural landscape.
