Resource use efficiency and system productivity of patchouli (Pogostemon cablin (Blanco) Benth) intercropping with food crops

Intercropping, the practice of growing multiple crops together, improves resource efficiency by optimizing sunlight, water, and nutrient use. This approach enhances sustainability by reducing plant competition and fostering mutual benefits, often leading to higher yield. Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin (Blanco) Benth) is an important aromatic crop that thrives in partial shade for growth and development but optimizing its productivity while maintaining or enhancing yield remains challenging. Field trials were carried out in 2022–23 and 2023–24 at CSIR-CIMAP, Research Centre, Bengaluru, to evaluate the biological and economical viability of intercropping systems (patchouli-finger millet, patchouli-cowpea and patchouli-field bean in 1:1 and 1:2 population density ratios and their corresponding sole crop) can improve patchouli productivity and economic viability. The results revealed better performance of patchouli with field bean in co-cultivation (1:2) compared to sole cropping. The combination of patchouli and field bean (1:2) yielded the highest PEY (115.38 L ha⁻¹) attributed to exceptional land utilization efficiency (282.22 %), along with superior land equivalent ratio (1.96), land equivalent coefficient (0.93). Additionally, the ATER stood at 1.73, outperforming other cropping systems. The dominance of finger millet over patchouli is evident from the CR value of 1.25 and A value of 0.2. Economic indices, including RVT (1.16), RNR (1.26), MAI (3260.62 US$), REE (1.94), IA (143.89) cost-benefit ratio (1.86), and net returns (4156 US$), were observed to be highest in the field bean intercropping system, closely followed by cowpea. The findings suggest that intercropping patchouli with field bean or cowpea enhances both biological performance and economic returns which enhancing farmer profits through improved resource utilization efficiency. Intercropping medicinal and aromatic crops with food crops is an effective strategy for promoting sustainable farmer livelihoods and boosting the country's GDP. The global demand for essential oils continues to rise, offering significant economic opportunities for farmers and contributing to sustainable development.