Growth and production potential of buckwheat genotypes under organic farming in the Eastern Himalayan region of India

The non-availability of efficient buckwheat genotypes is a challenge to achieve higher productivity under organic farming. Hence, this study was undertaken during three consecutive rabi seasons (2016–19) in the Sikkim state of the Indian Himalayas to evaluate the agronomic performance of different buckwheat genotypes under organic farming. Twelve buckwheat genotypes were tested in three times replicated randomized block design. Results revealed that among the buckwheat genotypes, PRB-1 had the tallest plant (68.3 cm) while IC 109729 had the shortest (41.8 cm). However, the maximum above-ground dry matter accumulation (10.7 g plant⁻¹) and leaf area index (2.59) were noticed in IC 49671 followed by IC 109433. While the chlorophyll content (2.08 mg g⁻¹) was highest in Sangla B-1. Local Meethay was short duration (78 days) buckwheat genotype while Sangla B-1 took the maximum number of days (113 days) to attain maturity. The highest number of branches plant⁻¹ (12.8) and seeds clusters plant⁻¹ (28.7) was recorded in IC 49671. The maximum production efficiency (14.2 kg ha⁻¹ day⁻¹), profitability (649.6 US$ ha⁻¹ day⁻¹), and the nutrients’ acquisition (122 kg N ha⁻¹, 30.5 kg P ha⁻¹ and 98.8 kg K ha⁻¹) were recorded under IC 49671 closely followed by IC 109433. Overall findings suggested that the buckwheat genotype IC 49671 and IC 109433 are suitable candidates for organic cultivation in the Eastern Himalayan region of India.