What do you understand by Relay Cropping? Discuss its advantages and disadvantages vis-à-vis other cropping patterns.

Hint: In Relay cropping second crop is planted even before the first crop is harvested. Thus, both crops share some part of the season. In India, Rice –cauliflower – onion-summer gourd is one example of relay cropping.
Advantages:

• Less risk since yields do not depend on one crop alone.
• Better distribution of labor.
• Some diseases and insects appear to spread less rapidly under intercropping.
• Better erosion control due to better ground cover.
• Any legumes involved may add some nitrogen to the soil.

Disadvantages:

• Mechanization is difficult.
• Management requirements are higher.
• Overall costs per unit of production may be higher due to reduced efficiency in planting, weeding and harvesting.

Topics: GS-III: Major Crops Cropping Patterns in Various Parts of India