This case study is an impact assessment of Rainfed Rabi Cropping (RRC) technologies, developed in DFID Renewable Natural Resource Strategy (RNRRS) supported projects of the Plant Sciences Research Programme (PSP). The project aimed to validate suitable agronomic and social activities that were intended to support sustainable intensification of the rice-fallow system by: integrating short duration rice varieties into the main season to make easier the growing of winter legumes (e.g. lentil, chickpea); making Mungbean, a spring season crop which can be grown after winter legumes, available for testing by farmers. In addition to new varieties, the project sought to validate and support the use of: integrated pest management (IPM) and Integrated Plant Nutrient Management system (IPNM) approaches to improve the soil health and to increase productivity.
This is one of seven case studies on rainfed agriculture innovations in south Asia, which are part of a broader “cluster study”.