Cropping patterns for rainfed farming in the Markham/Ramu Valleys

Abstract

Mechanised cropping is expanding in the Markham and upper Ramu Valleys both on large farms and on smallholdings. The main mechanised crops are peanuts, grain sorghum and maize but there is also good potential for upland rice and soybeans.

In the following article, information about the crops and the average rainfall distribution are used to develop appropriate cropping patterns for three typical sites in the Markham/Ramu Valley.