Context: In developing countries there is a preference to grow food crops rather than forage. However, suitable food–fodder based systems ensure year-round green fodder availability for profitable livestock production.

Aims: This study aimed to determine whether including single cut Egyptian clover (SEC) in the existing cropping systems could improve system productivity, forage availability and economic returns.

Method: Nine SEC based cropping systems were tested in a randomised complete block design with three replications.

Key results: Sorghum–SEC–wheat (late sown) cropping system produced 18% greater wheat equivalent yield compared with a popularly adopted sorghum–wheat system (8.9 Mg ha⁻¹). The water productivity (1.80 kg m⁻³) of this system was also improved in the sorghum–multi-cut Egyptian clover system (1.74 kg m⁻³). There was a marginal increase in dry matter yield and crude protein content of the succeeding sorghum crop when it was rotated with Egyptian clover. The inclusion of Egyptian clover also improved the soil organic carbon (23%) and available nitrogen (15%) compared with cereal–cereal systems. The findings identify a sustainable intensification option in the sorghum-based cropping system with short duration Egyptian clover (single cut) as an economically feasible and ecologically effective approach.

Conclusion: Integration of single cut Egyptian clover in sorghum–wheat rotation as a catch crop recorded greater system productivity, water-use efficiency and economic returns to achieve the sustainable crop intensification.

Implication: The SEC can be an effective option for diversification and intensification of cropping systems to improve fodder availability, yield, boost income and improve soil health.