Which crop should be used for intercropping in Chili?

Intercropping is an important tool for commercial viability of crops. It involves growing two or more crops together. Its aim is to get greater yield from the same piece of land. This makes optimum use of resources and ecological processes. 

In chili, row cropping is done where component crops are arranged in alternate rows. Farmers can choose fast growing corps along with chili. In such cases fast growing crops are harvested earlier and empty space is useful for chili crops when they grow to full size. 

In other cases, farmers can also opt for relay cropping. Here farmers can transplant chili plants to other crops which will be ready for harvest soon. In such cases, by the time, chili crop starts flowering, the previous crop is removed and space is available for picking of fresh chili.

For intercropping farmers need to be careful while planning. Consider soil, climate and varieties of crops while planning. It is important to avoid competition between these two crops for physical space, nutrients, water and sunlight. Chosen crops should be mutually beneficial to each other.

Several companion crops have been studied and farmers should relate them in the context of season and market demand.  This will reduce the overall yield per acre for chili; however, returns from chili and companion crops will be higher than chili alone. Moreover, risks like reduced market demand, reduced yields due to chili virus shall be mitigated.   

Recommended companions are as below. 

• chili + radish
• chili + carrot
• chili + onion
• chili + garlic
• Chili + brinjal
• Chili + coriander
• Chili + watermelon
• Chili + muskmelon