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Agriculture

Agriculture is the backbone of livelihood for majority of the population and so forms an important component of developmental activities. Through its well-formed network of people’s institutions in its field areas, VIKSAT focused on livelihood requirements of the villagers through promotion of improved seed variety, irrigation management practices and use of organic manure for improving agriculture productions. By liaising between experimental laboratories and agriculture fields, VIKSAT tried to communicate the efficient practices to the farmers. VIKSAT is exploring various issues related to agriculture like use of industrial wastewater for irrigation, micro-irrigation, low cost greenhouse technology, mulching, organic farming and saline irrigation technologies. Proposals have been submitted to the appropriate agencies for financial support.

The purpose of these demonstrations is to compare the performance of the popular existing varieties with the newly introduced high yielding varieties. It further introduces improved package of practices such as use of bio-fertilizers, weedicides, nutrient management, timely irrigation scheduling etc., in these crops.

Wheat: The demonstrations on wheat were taken up in collaboration with the Wheat Research Station, Agriculture University, Vijapur.

It is seen that GW-322 variety performed better in terms of yield than other local varieties irrespective of the location. An increase in yield varying from 5 to 60% was observed. The difference in yield of GW-322 could be because of difference in management practices, climatic conditions and initial nutrient status of the soil.

The lower yield observed at Bhuj could be because of :

• Method of sowing: The general recommendation is line sowing through use of seed cum fertilizer drill. The farmers practiced broadcasting method, as the implement was not available. This resulted in uneven distribution of seeds on the field.

• Poor soil fertility status: Most soils are found to be deficient in one or more nutrients. For example, at one of the locations at Paddhar village the soil was found to be deficient in nutrients. Although wheat crop did not show any deficiency symptoms, it was clearly seen in the next season on the same plot in groundnut crop. This is generally termed as hidden hunger where the plant may be suffering from deficiency but does not show any external symptoms. The exact nutrient deficient would only be known after the soil analysis.

• Irrigation: The power supply in the rural villages in Gujarat is only for limited period (8 hrs) for irrigation purpose. Farmers having large land holding, thus could not irrigate the crop in time at critical stages.

The farmers were advised to carryout analysis of their soils for the nutrient status and a farmers’ meeting was held before the ensuing Rabi season to create awareness about the improved practices to be followed in this crop. The experiments were repeated using the GW-322 variety but due to the frost during milky stage, the yield was affected adversely. However, better performance of this variety compared to that of the others was still prominently observed.

During the rabi season of 2004-05, wheat trials were taken up using GW-322 in Bhuj and Satlasana field areas in collaboration with Wheat Research Centre, Vijapur. Foundation seeds (480 kg) were distributed to four farmers in three villages of Bhuj taluka and 60 kg to one farmer    in Satlasana taluka.

The success of the seeds is evident as in the last rabi season (2005-06) about 920 kg of seeds were distributed in eight villages of Satlasana taluka directly by the farmers while the excess seeds were sold through Krishi Mandli of Satlasana. The data on performance of this variety are being collected.

Another improved variety (GW-1139) of wheat developed for heavy soils, was demonstrated (rabi, 2005-06) in two farmers’ field at Budhrasan and Patiakuva of Bhiloda taluka. Its performance will be compared with the locally grown variety.

Bajra: A new variety of bajra (var. GHB 526) was introduced in 9 farmers’ field in  Satlasana field area. The seeds were procured from Bajra Research Station, Jamnagar.

The average yield of newly introduced GHB-526 variety of bajra was 15.8 q/ha, which was 29 % higher than the commonly used Pusa variety (11.8 q/ha). The highest yield though was recorded for Pioneer variety (16.3q/ha), which was 5.8 % more than that of GHB-526. However, all the three varieties will have to be tried under similar experimental conditions of sowing and cultivation practices to assess their performance more meaningfully.

Castor: GCH –5 and 6, improved varieties of castor were demonstrated during 2004- 05 kharif season in two farmers’ field at Satlasana, where GCH –4 is grown traditionally. Castor and Mustard Research Centre, Sardar Krishinagar, Dantiwada  provided the seeds for this demonstration.

Though more than the traditional variety, seed yield of the improved varieties was  found  comparatively less than the potential yield (20 q/ha). This might be due to the   severe frost during February 2005. The yields were reduced to nearly half   irrespective of the varieties.

In order to test the performance of castor variety GCH-5 again in comparison to GCH-4, demonstration was planned in kharif, 2005. The seed was distributed (1.5 kg  each) to two  farmers in two different villages of Umri and Kubda. The harvesting and de-shelling is in progress.

Maize: These demonstrations were carried out in collaboration with Krishi Vikas Kendra, Khedbrahma. Part of the demonstration on varietal trial (GM-2) along with  micronutrient and biofertilizers was sponsored by ICAR, New Delhi, while the second type of demonstration with and without biofertilizer in the same variety.

Fodder maize: Seeds of fodder maize and fertilizer kits were distributed to 8 farmers in Satlasana. Regional Station for Fodder Production and Demonstration, Palej  supplied the seeds.

Tthe yield of the crop varied from as low 6 t/ha to   20 t/ha. This low yield (6/ha) was observed in only one plot, which was due to water  logging in that particular field. The average yield was found to be 14.25 t/ha. The  farmers felt that the crop performed very well and have asked for more seeds for the  next season.

Bio-fertilizer / Micro-nutrient Demonstrations

Bio-fertilizer trials were taken up at Bhiloda and Bhuj on short duration wheat (variety 173) during Rabi season 2003-04. Seeds were treated with Phosphate and Rhizobium cultures at the rate of 220 g per kg. A one-acre land was divided into three equal plots and different treatments were given.

Bio-fertilizer trials in maize crop were taken up at Bhiloda during the Kharif season in 10 farmers fields. All the demonstrations failed due to untimely rain and unavailability of irrigation water.

In order to demonstrate the use of optimum fertilizer and deficient nutrients in soils, VIKSAT collected 16 soil samples from its three field areas to analyse their nutrient content, especially sulphur and other micronutrients. Dr. K P Patel who attended the Agriculture Core Group meeting helped in getting the soil samples analysed. As per the analysis reports, sulphur treatments of 20 kg and 40 kg has been recommended for the select samples. The follow up on the nutrient deficient soils will be taken up for rabi and coming summer seasons as per the crop to be sown in these two seasons.

As observed during the FLDs on wheat, one of the reasons for low yield might be poor fertility status of the soil in Bhuj area. A fertilizer trial was hence planned in   two farmers’ field at Kotda village, Bhuj in groundnut crop during summer 2004-05. The trial was conducted in collaboration with Micronutrient Department, Anand Agricultural University, Anand. The trial consisted of 8 different combinations of  secondary and micronutrients with or without (control) NPK. The net plot size was 200 sq m.

Covering the soil around the plants to create favourable condition for the crop growth is termed as mulching. It not only checks weed growth but also helps in conserving soil moisture. To study the effect of mulching on brinjal, experiments were conducted using 50 micron black plastic sheet at Bhiloda.

Where mulching was practised, brinjal yield of about 67.5 kg was observed compared to 20 kg in plot without mulching. As per our regular observations and also according to the farmers’ views, mulching showed positive effect in terms of early growth and maturity. In addition, it also helped in arresting weed growth and lowering irrigation water requirement by 20%.

Farmers generally practice inefficient method of organic manure preparation, dumping farm and animal wastes in open areas exposing them to sunlight and rain. This results in production of poor quality organic manure. In order to promote efficient composting methods demonstrations were arranged to show composting in pits and vermicomposting methods. As a result, 5 farmers from Mumanvas, Kothasana, Bhimpur in Satlasana taluka have started preparing vermicompost. The technical guidance was provided to the farmers. The farmers have started utilizing this manure in crops.

At Santalpur, demonstration was organised in Daldi with an objective to make   farmers aware of efficient farm waste management through earthworms and  compost pit method. About 200 farmers participated in the training programme.

Satlasana taluka being a water scare region, VIKSAT and private drip manufacturing   companies organised a no. of awareness programmes and exposure trips. As a result  farmers are becoming    aware of benefits of drip irrigation systems. In order to  demonstrate the effect of drip on crop and water and fertilizer usage, a demonstration    unit was installed in Satlasana area. A low cost drip in collaboration with IDE, India  was installed in a farmer’s field (area 2000 sqm) at Nana Kothasana.

An orientation programme was organized on November 20, 2005 at Satlasana field office.Seventeen youth from 10 villages attended this programme. After this the youths were taken to the field where drip was to be installed in cotton crop. The  technique of laying the drip lines viz., main, sub-mains and laterals with micro-tube  outlets were explained and demonstrated to them. The youth actively participated in the programme and have planned to scale up drip systems in the area.

In the same plot VIKSAT has demonstrated vegetable seedling cultivation with drip. For this vegetable seedling of chillies and brinjal were transplanted in the plot. When the crop reaches fruiting stage farmers’ visit to this plot has been planned.

Assured availability of good quality seeds just before the beginning of sawing season is a major problem faced by farmers. VIKSAT collected certified seeds from agriculture universities and other reliable resources and made them available to the farmers.

This society was formed for promoting horticulture related on-farm activities and channelises government schemes for the benefit of the farmers. Through the mandli, 3000 kg of groundnut seeds were purchased and distributed.

A Visit to Junagadh Agriculture University was arranged to educate the farmers on various practices in crop cultivations and horticulture plantations.

Under the Vikas Volunteer Vahini (VVV) scheme of NABARD and with the assistance from State Bank of India, Dharoi, VIKSAT formulated five  farmers’ clubs in 5 villages of Satlasana. Farmers from other such farmers’ clubs were invited to interact on the VVV scheme during the function held at Mota Kothasana. Mr. SV Singh, general manager, SBI - Ahmedabad, Mr. SK Solanki, AGM, SBI – Gandhinagar, Mr. SD Jha, AGM – NABARD attended the function and encouraged farmers to get benefited by the scheme.

To consolidate our efforts in the field of agriculture and to visualise our future activities in advance, a strategy paper on “Status of agriculture situation in North Gujarat” was prepared. During the next period District level reports on “Natural Resources of Patan/Mahesana/Sabarkantha and Kachhch” will be prepared.

During next year, efforts will be made in wide spreading these demonstrations to other villages as well. To make available good quality, high yielding seeds within a village, the Seed Village Concept will be propagated for other crops like Maize, Groundnut, Bajra, Castor and pulses. Activities will be focussed on demonstrating low cost micro-irrigation systems and dry farming technologies and growing salt resistant crops.

Under World Food Programme, training on cultivation of various rabi crops was organized at Shamlaji on November 10 and 11, 2005. The basic objective was to make farmers aware of the recommended practices followed in each crop,   identification of pests     and diseases and their control. The programme was  conducted using Powerpoint Presentation containing text and photos. Sixty-three and 49    farmers from Dhuleta and Dhandasan villages respectively, attended this training    programme. At the end, an interactive session was also organized.

As part of the above training programme, one-day exposure visit to Wheat  research Centre and to one of the progressive farmer’s field, Sundarvan Farm, Vijapur was also organized on November 22, 2005. During this visit 45 farmers from the two villages participated.

To study the present status of agriculture, identify agricultural interventions required  and to study the impact of various agricultural developments surveys were conducted in three field areas.

In Santalpur, under  SNEHAL programme (supported by CARE India) format for agricultural survey was formed and survey was conducted in project villages to identify activities to be implemented under the second phase of the programme. Information was compiled and draft report was prepared.

In Satlasana, VIKSAT has promoted sprinkler irrigation system. A survey was conducted to assess the feasibility and impact of this system considering associated water saving. Feedback of 25 farmers using this system was taken. The data compilation and analysis is in progress.

At Bhuj,  VIKSAT in collaboration with Solaris Chemteck Ltd. has planned to take     up various developmental work in select villages. Survey was done to identify agricultural activities that could be taken up. Fodder production, raising arid fruit crops in nursery and its cultivation were the main activities identified in the region under the present situations.

• Visit was made to Central Salt And Marine Chemical Research Institute, Bhavnagar to explore available technologies for salt affected areas/wastelands which could be used at Santalpur and Bhuj field areas. Use of liquid sea weed fertilizers (LSWF) and growing salt tolerant crops like salicornia and salvodora species was found promising. The follow up is in progress.

•  A visit to Micro-nutrient department of Anand Agricultural University was made to plan further secondary and micronutrient trials to be taken up at VIKSAT field areas. A visit was also paid to National Aromatic and Medicinal Board, Boriavi to explore possibilities of implementing their technologies in the field of medicinal plants. Next meeting to Boriavi is being planned to identify activities that can be implemented at Bhiloda.