Transplanters for higher yield at lower cost
From Parmod Bharti
NAWANSHAHR: Paddy is a major commercial kharif crop and is cultivated in about 22.79 lakh hectares in Punjab with an average yield of 51.72 quintals per hectare. But there is a large gap in its yield potential. Moreover, paddy transplantation is in Punjab mostly done manually, in which is tiresome and labour-intensive.

Women’s role crucial in mountain farming
By Kulwinder Sandhu
MOUNTAIN economy in Himachal Pradesh which to a large extent is agrarian in nature, has evolved out of centuries of biological and cultural practices. These systems are now breaking down on account of the emerging trends of marketable economy and depletion of natural resources for fodder, fuel, fertiliser, fibre, fruits, drugs, gums and a host of other products.

Beekeeping profitable venture
By Rajesh Garg
The pressure on land for cultivation in India is so much that every inch has been brought under the plough to meet the food requirements of the increasing population. Moreover, present-day agriculture is not so remunerative because of the high cost of inputs and farmers need to adopt some avocation like beekeeping, pisciculture, piggery, dairy etc. in addition to agriculture. In our country, there is the problem of landless farmers, educated unemployed and disguised labour. To ameliorate their lot, beekeeping is one avocation which can be undertaken by them. Hence under the prevailing conditions in India, a profession like beekeeping assumes great significance.

A hospital for plants at PAU
by Inderpreet Mansahia

PRODUCING food for the ever-increasing population of the world is a challenge. It is very essential to produce high yielding healthy plants which can fulfil our needs. In Punjab, 70 per cent of the people are engaged in agriculture. The state farmers’ contribution of wheat, rice and cotton to the central pool is the highest among all states. Earlier, the farmer used to follow indigenous method of crop cultivation and was satisfied with meagre produce he could obtain from fixed acreage. With the advent of the Green Revolution, the farmers were able to obtain higher crop productivity per acre.

With the Green Revolution the inputs have increased to a considerable extent. The consumption of fertilisers and pesticides has increased tremendously. As a result, these higher inputs and intensive cultivation of crops along with the high yielding varieties accentuated the problems of pests, diseases and other disorders. The pests and diseases, which were of secondary importance before, have proved to be of prime concern. Similarly, soil fertility has been reduced, resulting in deficiency of nutrients in major food crops, although intensity varied from place to place.

Plants can’t talk. They can’t tell us about their problems and diseases. So it is not easy to diagnose their diseases. Keeping this in mind the then Vice-Chancellor of PAU, Dr Amrik Singh Cheema, set up a plant clinic in 1978 managed by the Department of Plant pathology.

According to Dr I.S. Kang of the clinic, it was the first clinic of its kind in the whole of the North. The plant clinic is located in farmers service centre (Clock Tower building) near the university gate no. 1.

As so many people were coming to the plant clinic with their problems, the need was felt to broadbase the clinic and to appoint experts so that better advice should be given to the farmers. Experts from the Departments of Entomology, Plant Pathology, Soil Science and Agronomy were appointed to render expert advice to farmers.

Entomologists are engaged in the identification of insects and the symptoms of damage, whereas pathologists deal with plant disorders due to pathogens. Soil scientists look into the disorders due to the nutrient deficiencies or toxicity and other physiological aspects of plant health. Agronomic experts provide knowledge to the farmers in crop production technology including need management with particular reference to integrated weed management. These clinics functions directly under the Director of Extension Education.

The plant clinic has a full-fledged laboratory which is equipped with scientific equipments for immediate diagnosis of a disorder. Apart from common diseases, which farmers are aware of, there are more complex problems beyond the understanding of farmers. The diagnosis of these problems requires expertise.

The function of the experts starts as soon as the farmers come to purchase the seeds. When they come to buy seeds, experts at the clinic advise the farmers about the variety of the crop to be sown, when it should be sown, which fertilisers have to be used and in what quantity. They also advise farmers about the deficiency of the nutrients, seed treatment for the control of seed-borne diseases and spray schedule to be followed for the control of diseases which appear later on, specially for vegetable crops.

During the crop season, the farmers bring samples of the crops affected with diseases. These samples are diagnosed collectively by the experts at the clinic and suitable advice is rendered to farmers.

There are instances when farmers are not able to convey fully the case history of affected crop or plants. Field visits are arranged for on-the-spot identification of plant disorders. Problems are identified and remedial measures suggested. The crops of many farmers are thus saved in this manner. Besides, farmers are advised on the judicious use of various inputs. Pesticides are saved and pollution problems mitigated to a considerable extent. If there is an outbreak of a disease the clinic sends press releases to all dailies and magazines giving suitable advice to farmers.

Many a time farmers use unrecommended varieties of crop such as the HD 2338 Wheat variety was sown by the farmers on their own and they had to suffer heavy losses due to yellow rust disease. Through press releases the clinic also advises farmers not to sown varieties not recommended by it.

It is always advisable for farmers to bring the plants to the clinic personally. But if due to some reason they can’t come personally then they can send their plants by parcel. But many a time when the plants are sent by parcel these get damaged and then it is not easy to diagnose the disease. But still if the plants have to be sent by mail then one or two plants should be packed properly and the complete address along with the details of the crop, fertilisers and sprays used should be sent.

Another useful purpose of plant clinic is that the university is getting necessary feedback for reorienting its research programmes and fixing research priorities in agriculture. The clinic also conducts a practical course for the students of B.Sc. Agriculture so that they don’t face any difficulty when they go to the field as it brings interaction between students and farmers and inculcates the abilities of good extension workers in the students and gives them practical training in diagnosing the plant disorder.

According to Dr N.S. Buttar, who heads the plant clinic, farmers are very enthusiastic about adopting new varieties and new technology and more than 6000 farmers visited the clinic last year.

He also informed that the clinic is also planning to set up satellite plant clinics at the district level. This centre renders its services free of cost.

Transplanters for higher yield at lower cost
From Parmod Bharti

NAWANSHAHR: Paddy is a major commercial kharif crop and is cultivated in about 22.79 lakh hectares in Punjab with an average yield of 51.72 quintals per hectare. But there is a large gap in its yield potential. Moreover, paddy transplantation is in Punjab mostly done manually, in which is tiresome and labour-intensive.

The cost of manual transplantation of paddy in the state is about Rs 240 crore per annum. During manual plantation, the number of plants ranges from 18 to 22 as against 33 recommended per square metre, which adversely affects the yield. Besides, the shortage of labour at the time of transplantation is another factor which results in delay and hence lower yields.

Stating this to this reporter, Dr B.S. Sidhu, Deputy Director, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Langroya (Nawanshahr), and Mr Sanjiv Mehta, an engineer, advised farmers to use manual or engine operated paddy transplanters, developed by the PAU, Ludhiana, so as to get a higher yield by spending less. The kendra is organising field demonstration-cum-training camps for farmers in the district.

Giving details about the paddy transplanter, they pointed out that the manual paddy transplanter consisted of a wooden skid, a main frame assembly that supports the seedling tray. The machine is manually operated and is pulled through a field. This machine transplants paddy in six rows with 20 cm spacing between rows and 15 cm spacing between plants. It can transplant paddy on one acre in a day for which just two persons are required. The cost of machine is about Rs 3000 and its weight is just 20 kg.

The engine operated paddy transplanter is powered by a 5 HP diesel engine and it can transplant paddy on four to five acres per day with the help of two labourers and an operator. The cost of this machine is about Rs 1 lakh.

For preparing a nursery with a transplanter, a polythene sheet of one metre width is spread over levelled ground. Empty bags of gypsum or fertiliser can also be used for the purpose. Wooden and iron frames having 12 compartments measuring 40x20x2 cm each are placed over the polythene sheet. The frames are filled uniformally with the fine textured soil. About 700 gm of pre-germinated seed is spread evenly over the frame to achieve a uniform density of two to three seedlings per square cm of the mat.

About 10 kg of seed is sufficient to cover 200 mats required for doing transplantation on one acre.

The seed is covered with thin layer of soil and water is sprinkled by hand sprayer for proper setting of the soil. Then the frames are lifted for reuse. A person can sow seedlings on one acre in a day. Polythene sheet measuring 20 metres is sufficient for preparing seedlings on one acre. The seedling mats become ready after 25 to 30 days. Water is drained off from the nursery field a few hours before nursery uprooting. A cut with a sharp blade along the boundaries of mats is made. These mats are uprooted and are ready to be moved to the field for transplantation, says Dr Sidhu.

Women’s role crucial in mountain farming
By Kulwinder Sandhu

MOUNTAIN economy in Himachal Pradesh which to a large extent is agrarian in nature, has evolved out of centuries of biological and cultural practices. These systems are now breaking down on account of the emerging trends of marketable economy and depletion of natural resources for fodder, fuel, fertiliser, fibre, fruits, drugs, gums and a host of other products.

The diversification of farming activities extending from fruit cultivation and off-season vegetables to floriculture, mushroom cultivation, apiculture, medicinal and aromatic plants, hops and saffron have opened new vistas for economic development along with entrepreneurial opportunities for rural youth.

To meet the changing farming scenario on the one hand and the mountain specificities of isolation, diversity, fragility and heterogeneity on the other Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Solan, has revised strategies for research and development support. According to a spokesman of this university, “the geographical isolation and scatteredness in hills along with location specific farming needs — often charactersied by small land holdings — warrant needs-based modules emboiding problems of different crop systems and marketing and post-harvest management techniques.

The role of women is equally crucial in mountain farming due to their multiple and predominant share in hill agriculture. The varsity has adopted innovative thrust areas for the economical and ecological prosperity of the Himalayas in general and Himachal Pradesh in particular. These include establishment of polytechnics for imparting vocational training in hill farming, setting up Krishi Vigyan Kendras — to begin with at the district levels and later at location specific sites for providing clinical services — technology inputs and other farming services.

The university was established on December 1, 1985, mainly to provide and promote teaching and research in the fields of horticulture, forestry and allied disciplines. It is named after Dr Y.S. Parmar, the first Chief Minister and architect of Himachal Pradesh. Its establishment is a tribute to the memory of Dr Parmar who perceived that horticulture and forest farming could go a long way towards developing mountain economy and if better use of land was ensured, the economic condition of the people would improve and ecosystems would be conserved.

Interestingly, the university has its roots in the erstwhile Himachal Agricultural College, Solan, which was an affiliate college of Panjab University, Chandigarh (1962-70). From 1970 to 1985 the college was under the control of two universities — Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla (1970-78) and Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Palampur (1978-85). In December, 1985 it became Dr Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry. This is the only varsity in the country exclusively engaged in teaching, research and extension in horticulture and forestry.

At present there are two colleges on the main campus. The College of Horticulture consists of eight departments — pomology, fruit breeding, postharvest technology, vegetable crops, floriculture and landscaping with the supporting departments of plant pathology, entomology, and biotechnology. The College of Forestry consists of six departments — silviculture and agroforestry, tree improvement and forests product and supporting ones of soil science, social sciences and basic sciences.

In addition to these colleges, there are four Regional Horticulture Research Stations in four agro-climate zones of the state. These are located at Jachh (Kangra), Bajaura (Kulu), Mashobra (Shimla) and Sharbo (Kinnaur).

Spread out over an area of 549 hectares, the Y.S. Parmar University campus is located at Nauni, 13 km from Solan on the Rajgarh road. It boasts of 11 laboratory blocks, a library, five hostels for students, two guest houses, hostel for farmers and trainees, an advanced training centre, 230 residential quarters and a health care centre. For farm research facilities, it has seven pre-fabricated walk-in-cool chambers, 15 glass houses, four mist chambers and other farm structures.

Some of the salient research findings of the varsity are collection, evaluation and maintenance of germ plasm of horticulture and forest species; successful introduction or domestication of Kiwi, spur type apple cultivators; apple scab resistant/tolerant cultivars; colour mutants of apple; high density peach orchards and rare and exotic vegetables. The university also developed improved varieties and hybrids such as French beans, tomato, opra, ginger, lettuce, thornless mutants of Robinia and Kashmir willow etc.

Beekeeping profitable venture
By Rajesh Garg

The pressure on land for cultivation in India is so much that every inch has been brought under the plough to meet the food requirements of the increasing population. Moreover, present-day agriculture is not so remunerative because of the high cost of inputs and farmers need to adopt some avocation like beekeeping, pisciculture, piggery, dairy etc. in addition to agriculture. In our country, there is the problem of landless farmers, educated unemployed and disguised labour. To ameliorate their lot, beekeeping is one avocation which can be undertaken by them. Hence under the prevailing conditions in India, a profession like beekeeping assumes great significance.

Beekeeping requires little financial investment. It is feasible for people with little or no land of their own, since hives can be placed on waste ground or on the roofs of buildings. Honeybees do not compete with any other form of agriculture for the main resources they require. Indeed, they pollinate and thus increase the yields of many crops. Beekeeping is a flexible occupation which can be persued by men or women of virtually any age and even by teenagers.

Rural livelihood can be enhanced by beekeeping in poverty stricken rural communities; even at subsistance level a colony of honey bees provides a free supply of honey, which is a valuable non-perishable food with high carbohydrate content. People who have the time and interest to manage more hives can obtain a cash crop from surplus honey and wax. It can be persued by forming a cooperative by several interested persons, thus generating work, income and social contact for the entire group.

Honey production by farmers broaden the food basis of the population. Beekeeping in rural areas with subsistance agriculture raises the socio-economic standing of farmers as at many places a subsistance farmer can earn a higher income from beekeeping than any other work done by him.

With the introduction of Italian honeybee, apis mellifera, in 1962 and its subsequent successful establishment has opened new vistas in the annals of beekeeping in India. Now, beekeeping has become a profitable and a commercial proposition. Due to the rich floral and varied climatic conditions of India, Italian honeybee yields up to 20-25 kg of honey under stationary beekeeping and upto 40-45 kg under migratory conditions. Italian honeybee possesses many desirable traits. It is bigger in size, has longer foraging range, longer tongue length, bigger stomach capacity, maintains prolific queen, has gentle temperament, very less swarming and absconding propensity, keeps the hive clean, builds up rapidly under forced and natural conditions and has remarkable resistance to wax moth except wasps. Moreover, it can withstand high temperature of the plains and work more efficiently under such conditions.

Owing to the peculiar climatic conditions in India and diversity of bee flora (cultivated and wild), plains, valleys and hills are highly suited for beekeeping. Hills and valleys are also very suitable for growing both temperate and sub-temperate fruits and vegetables. Most of the fruits and vegetables are cross-pollinated and for proper fruit setting they require the help of a pollinating agents. The value of increased fruit harvest and crop harvest as a result of apis mellifera pollination is 16 to 20 times more than the value of honey obtained directly from honeybee colonies. Moreover, honeybees help in maintaining the biodiversity of flora.

Little capital investment is required to start beekeeping on a small scale. As a cottage industry, an economic unit of 50 apis mellifera colonies would be recommended if the beekeeper can look after in his spare time. The income can be doubled if the beekeeper migrate his colonies to avail autumn honey flow in hills and summer flow (sunflower crop) in the plains.

At present, we have less than one million colonies of honeybees, whereas 50 million hectare is under entomophilous crops. For pollination of this much crop area, we need at least 160 million colonies of honeybees in India. Thus million tonnes of nectar and pollen is going waste in the absence of honeybee colonies. Subsequently, production of honey can be increased 10-fold if beekeeping is taken up seriously. Exploitation of diversity and area under honey yielding sources, honey production in India can be 2,50,000 tonnes and can surpass China, where the production is 2,00,000 tonnes annually.