AGRO-ECONOMIC DIMENSIONS OF INTERCROPPING IN CITRUS FARMS: THE CASE OF DISTRICT TOBA TEK SINGH, PAKISTAN

This study aims to assess the impact of intercropping on citrus yield in District Toba Tek Singh. The research questions are: What is the economic benefit of intercropping? What is the impact of intercropping on citrus yield? Primary data were collected from 120 citrus (Kinnow) growers (60 each with and without intercropping) from the district. Benefit cost analysis and Cobb-Douglas regression were used to answer the research questions. The results showed that the average yield of Kinnow without intercropping (12454 kg ha^-1) was higher than those with intercropping (7492 kg ha^-1). A similar trend was observed for average incomes per acre of orchards. The economic analysis showed that the orchard without intercropping was earning more benefit (benefit cost ratio of 1.59) than with intercropping (1.31 including income from intercrops). The results of the Cobb-Douglas model showed that intercropping had a negative impact on citrus yield. It is recommended that awareness among the farmers must be created about the harmful effects of intercropping on citrus yield and income. If the need for intercropping arises; suitable intercrop(s) should be identified and its use be popularized among the farmers by using print and electronic media through private and public organizations. Also, we recommend the replication of such studies in broad areas for getting a robust answer.