Proceedings of NICRA Zonal Monitoring Committee Visit

Although commendable efforts were made by the NICRA team to ensure maximum storing of water, notably at Nawada and Koderma Centres, it was urged by the Monitoring Team that this particular intervention be followed up more scientifically using the softwares available for this purpose for rainfed farming. The exercise may start with probability analysis of rainfall and evaporation to make an estimate on the amount of excess rainfall likely be available.

Further, it is advisable to planting, preferably, of perennial or semi-perennial crops of farmers’ choice on the raised bunds around the excavated ponds, and pisciculture (preferably composite culture) in the ponds after proper testing of its quality. Appropriate steps should also be taken stop grazing of the plantation crops or select such crops which are not likely to be grazed, also stop poaching of the fishes. This will fetch the farmers round the year high additional return.

At Koderma it was very interesting to find a kind of recharge well developed at hardly 10-15 feet depth from the surface (locally known as ‘Nadi kund’). Recharge takes place sufficiently fast from the adjoining water stream. Water is lifted by a small diesel pump to hardly 10 feet height to irrigate crops continuously for 6-8 hours, as reported. Detailed study including analysis of the water for its usefulness for irrigation should be conducted on this technique round the year.

Other bore wells being used for irrigation at each site should subjected to water analysis for its usefulness for irrigation, and recharge capacity to be tested. All open bore wells should be covered with wire mesh to avoid any accident.

Ground water and other water sources should be checked in respect of water quality and heavy metal contamination at an interval of 3-5 years.

Attempt may be made to predict the weather (aberrations) for the coming years, keeping in view the climate change predictions based on the climate data referred above, with as much dependability as possible, for which technology is available, and finally the crop diversification along with contingency planning, depending on water requirement of crops, farmers’ choice and market demand of crops. It was interesting to find a few drought tolerant rice varieties have been tried, one of which is Sahbhagi (110 days duration), developed by CRRI, at Koderma. More attention should be paid in identifying suitable low water requiring crop varieties of both rice and non-rice. The cropping intensity, which is at present low to very low, understandably due to less and uncertain rainfall, should be invariably improved in phases.

In general there appeared to be lack of adequate fodder for the animals. It is necessary to include fodder having minimum water requirement in the crop planning.

Scope for including NIFTD at each place may be explored. Seed bank of the cultivable cereals, to start with, may be established at each location.

Another approach to reduce water requirement is to introduce paira cropping under residual soil moisture following rice harvest for which suitable crop(s) should be identified. One of such crops tried and found successful in large areas is lathyrus (low toxin contens, viz. var. Nirmal).

In at least one station (Nawada) it was observed that to ensure safety of the equipments the weather station was located on the roof top. As per accepted guidelines of the IMD, all meteorological equipments should be stationed at the ground level under normal field situation. This needs to be rectified at the earliest.

(i)         Each centre should have portable soil testing kit along with portable pH metre in the first hand. At Koderma however mobile soil testing van was reported to be available, functioning of which should be regularly monitored by the ZPD.

(ii)       All fertilizer recommendations should be made on soil test basis.

(iii)      It may be appreciated that other minimum soil parameters (physical, biological, soil organic C, and relevant micronutrients status field-wise are also necessary to assess soil health, which may be monitored at every 5 years interval.

(iv)     CRIDA may identify the minimum set of parameters to be analysed as inputs to soil health assessment, develop simple protocol for each, and ZPD may ensure training through deployment of appropriate staff at each centre.

(v)       It has been reported that the benchmark soil survey has been conducted at each site, which may please be collected and placed before the monitoring team in future for their understanding.

At Koderma, it was found that although major equipments were available at their KVK laboratory, there were no staff available to do the analyses, which is sheer waste of money spent on this.

It is suggested to take up ‘biochar’, a highly C-rich resource, as pilot studies at a few locations only representing various soil textures and C levels. ZPD may initiate such programme in order to enrich soil C level. Economics of such practices may also be monitored.

It is recommended to spread this technology along with manufacturing of zero tillage equipment at lower cost and make these available more abundantly for custom hiring along with other agricultural equipments through district level machinery hubs.

It was very encouraging to hear some farmers in Koderma suggesting development of solar energy operated pumps. The ZPD may give appropriate attention towards this.

Shelters may be provided to protect and maintain the farm implements at each site against corrosion against rains and heat.

It was heartening to observe at least one farmer (Jai Pal Prasad) at Nawada following scientific nurseries under polyhouse. This should a model for all others to follow. Sri Prasad may be encouraged more for scientific practice through training, supply of improved varieties, saplings, etc.

Finally, it is very important that the farmers in the study areas should undergo awareness/ training of the climate change phenomenon and its impact on farming in long run, and possible strategies to be taken to mitigate such effects.

The farmers felt strongly of the need for higher availability of water for irrigation through renovation of existing structures. Database quantifying the improvements made in each should however be recorded. The team visited Narayanpur, a flood prone area, where the farmers showed considerable concern to re-excavate a 2-km long derelict channel to relieve them of drainage congestion. The farmers also showed concern to renovate existing shallow TW and create new shallow TW especially in diara lands. It is recommended to collaborate with the experts in relevant fields for hydrological survey of the ground water before planning for its exploration through re-excavation or fresh excavation of existing ponds and canals, shallow and semi-deep TW particularly in areas having acute shortage of water for irrigation. It would be preferable to combine such practices with creation of drainage facilities, wherever possible, so that the excess water may be re-utilized for irrigation. Farmers showed their concern about checking seepage loss of water from the ponds, for which it would be advisable to take help of experts for appropriate technologies available.

Increasing cropping intensity leads not only increase in the income of the farmers, but also paves the way to mitigate climate change, for which it is further suggested to felicitate and encourage farmers to create polyhouses at affordable costs and grow seedlings even under off-seasons and under adverse flood prone or water-scarce situations. Growing perennial crops on the raised bunds of the excavated ponds along with pisciculture and/or duckery in the ponds will ensure higher return to farmers.

More areas should be brought under IFS developed location-wise with emphasis on use of remunerative crops and demand/access to markets, of which farmers were very much aware of. Technology was demonstrated for vermicompost production using ‘vermibags’ developed by the centre, use of which should be spread to other areas/ farmers to encourage more use of organic composts at affordable prices and build up soil organic C status, a basic necessity to mitigate climate change.

It will be advisable to compile relevant data on climatic parameters (minimum 25 years) for probability analysis of rainfall and atmospheric temperature, and predict there from the future climate change scenario based on various climate change models available. The centre/ZPD may take initiative in this respect. This will facilitate generate future crop and water resource planning in scientific mode.

Farmers showed considerable interest in this practice, and the centre/ ZPD may take necessary initiative to involve more farmers under the practice, recognized as one the significant practices for climate change mitigation, and extend necessary facilities as a special intervention. Necessary practices may be developed for newer range of crops like maize, jute, etc.

The animal health is found to be weak in general. It is praiseworthy to find good number of animal health camps organized, but this should be increased to many more, preferably at each three months interval. It is suggested to seek for much larger tie-ups with line department officials due to the want of experts in the KVK. Improved breeds should be introduced. Such animals, other than cattles, like poultry, duckery, goatery, piggery may be introduced and scientifically reared. Other alternate farming practices like apiary, mushroom, ornamental fish cultivation, etc. having market demand/ access should be introduced, particularly for landless or marginal farmers. Women may take significant participation in most of them listed above, as well as for preparation of handicrafts using locally available raw materials, as acts to reduce drudgeries. Model alternate farming practices along with agriculture at the epicenter should be introduced location-wise to ensure continuous flow of income on sustainable basis. This will also ensure production and use of more of organic composts for agriculture and build up soil organic C.

Sudan grass and cowpea have been successfully demonstrated as fodder crops in barren or marginal lands. In waterlogged or flood prone areas it is suggested to introduce Coix lachryma jobi, for which the centre may take the help of CSSRI, Regional Station Canning Town.

For better maintenance of the farm, it has been suggested to explore the possibility of contractual assignment to private agencies if permitted by the university rules.

Raised bed and furrow method of irrigation in vegetables is also recommended for saving irrigation water and fuel. Besides, attempts should be made to check the seepage loss of water using appropriate technologies for which necessary collaboration may be sought from relevant agencies. There are scopes to renovate large number of silted up ponds. The existing silted-up drainage canals need to be excavated and one-way sluice gates to be provided in order to retain water within it for irrigation.

However, It is recommended to collaborate with the experts in relevant fields for hydrological survey of the ground water before planning for its exploration through re-excavation or fresh excavation of existing ponds and canals, shallow and semi-deep TW particularly in areas having acute shortage of water for irrigation. It would be preferable to combine such practices with creation of drainage facilities, wherever possible, so that the excess water may be re-utilized for irrigation.

It is therefore suggested to use organic / poly-mulching materials in vegetables and poly-mulching in banana for in-situ moisture conservation and thereby to save irrigation water as well as fuel. Water cucumber could be one of the uses for poly mulching.

Keeping in view the unimodal rainfall distribution it was envisaged that Broad Bed & Furrow method of irrigation might reduce irrigation water requirement for cultivation of rabi vegetables especially in the terai zone. For these purpose 28 demonstration units of brinjal covering 2.20 ha and 22 demonstration unit of cucumber covering 2.30 ha area were brought under BBF method of irrigation. This resulted in the saving of 8.14 ha-cm irrigation water (29.50 %), reduction in cost of irrigation by Rs. 2,363/ha, 30.85 %increase in WUE, and fuel savings @ 39.37 lit. diesel/ha in cucumber, and saving of 10.10 ha-cm irrigation water (30.5 %), reduction in cost of irrigation by Rs. 2,610/ha, 30.72 % increase in WUE, and fuel savings @ 43.50 lit. diesel/ha in brinjal. It is therefore strongly suggested to use BBF method to raise rabi vegetables.

It is also recommended to develop appropriate technologies like trickle, sprinkler, or pitcher method of irrigation especially for rabi vegetables and orchards in order to minimize water requirement substantially.

In boro rice, SRI method of cultivation was found beneficial from demonstrations conducted in 2.46 ha area with the results of (i) production of 259 g more grain per cu.m. of water use, (ii) 24.91% saving in irrigation water, (iii) reduction in irrigation cost by Rs. 8225 per ha, 37.50% yield increment, and finally (iv) saving of 1457 lit. (3211-1754) of water per kg. of grain. SRI method is therefore strongly recommended for boro rice in the terai region. However, on each methodology, it is necessary to make ‘impact anaysis’ scientifically in order to validate the results.

In view of the trends on changing climate observed over the last three decades, it is suggested to conduct probability analyses of rainfall and temperature, and based on this the future trend of the climatic scenario with the help of climate change models available to work out scientifically future cropping and water use strategies to mitigate climate change.

The terai region is essentially rice-oriented with jute grown profitably (for good quality fibre produced) in majority of the areas. The major cropping systems are jute-rice-fallow, fallow-rice-fallow, jute-rice potato, fallow-rice-potato, jute-rice-wheat/mustard/rice/vegetable, fallow-rice- wheat/mustard/rice/vegetable, jute-vegetable-fallow. Large area remains fallow for a major part of the season. In medium-lowland situations rice variety Swarna Sub-1, a submergence tolerant variety has been identified (foundation seeds were collected from BCKV), while Gotra-Bidhan-1, a short duration (115-125 day) variety for early maturing has been identified through NICRA. In NICRA village site, some farmers are going towards cultivation of direct seeded rice particularly in upland when the rainfall is scanty. Considering the problem, KVK Cooch behar tried to promote brown-manuring (Sesbania co-culture) in direct-seeded rice. In this method, germinated rice seeds were broadcast with dhaincha seeds and dhaincha plants were killed at 25 DAS with 2,4-D @0.5 kg ai/ha and incorporated with paddy weeder at 35 DAS. KVK Coochbehar demonstrated the technology satisfactorily in 1 ha involving 6 farmers. For prevalence of stem rot disease ((Macrophomina phaseolina) in jute JBO-2003(H) has been identified to overcome the problem. Major problem of banana cultivation is development of scar on fruit by scarring beetle (Colaspis hypochlora) under hot & humid climate of terai region. Appropriate technology was developed (with bunch cover) by NICRA resulting in (i) infestation of scarring beetle reduced by 95 %, shooting-harvest interval reduced by 8 days, return per plant increased by Rs. 27.00, and 11.49 % increase in net income.

There are scopes to increase cropping intensity by introducing wide array of vegetables suitable to low soil pH and associated features, and having low requirements with good market demand/ access. Growing perennial crops on the raised bunds of the excavated ponds along with pisciculture and/or duckery in the ponds will ensure higher return to farmers.

There are reasonably good source of organic materials viz., Natural vegetations (Forest and agro-forestry species), Crop residues as soil amendments, FYM as bulky organic manures, and Lime as soil amendment. Since the quality of compost used the farmers is not good the centre initiated demonstration programme (50 nos.) successfully on preparation of compost through NADEP method using locally available organic sources like cowdung, farm/kitchen waste and other locally available organic materials. Efforts to be made to introduce vermicompost using appropriate technology.

It is recommended to conduct benchmark survey of the soils through appropriate agency like NBSS&LUP having the expertise. The KVK, with assistance from CRIDA, may work out ‘soil health’ indices , which together with benchmark data will help facilitate appropriate crop and water management strategies with focus on mitigating climate change.

This technology should be expanded to other areas being a key technology to mitigate climate change.

It is suggested to develop in-house production (low-cost technology) of azolla as poultry feed. Animal shelter structure may be developed.

The animal health is found to be weak in general. The animal health camps should be increased to many more, preferably at each three months interval at each site. It is suggested to seek for much larger tie-ups with live department officials. Improved breeds should be introduced. Such animals, other than cattles, like poultry, duckery, goatery, piggery may be introduced and scientifically reared. Other alternate farming practices like apiary, mushroom, ornamental fish cultivation, etc. having market demand/ access should be introduced, particularly for landless or marginal farmers. Women may take significant participation in most of them listed above, as well as for preparation of handicrafts (say jute handicrafts, sital pati, etc.) using locally available raw materials, as acts to reduce drudgeries. Model alternate farming practices along with agriculture at the epicenter, should be introduced location-wise to ensure continuous flow of income on sustainable basis. This will also ensure production and use of more of organic composts for agriculture and build up soil organic C.

Significant steps should be taken to identify fodder crops location-wise in collaboration with NIFD.

The team noted with great satisfaction an extra-ordinary initiative with an array of activities for various developmental works, both in-house and also in field, partly relevant to act on climate change mitigation, by a section of womenfolk in a hamlet under the same village Khagribari, which could be a model for others. The concerned SMS (Home Science) also deserves high appreciation for her leadership and imaginative quality.

It is recommended to collaborate with the experts in relevant fields for hydrological survey of the ground water before planning for its exploration through re-excavation or fresh excavation of existing ponds and canals, semi-deep TW throughout the area having acute shortage of water for irrigation. It would be preferable to combine such practices with creation of drainage facilities, wherever possible, so that the excess water may be re-utilized for irrigation. It is necessary that appropriate agency could be employed through collaboration for which the centre/ZPD may take initiative for drawing desired plan for water use pattern in long term perspectives since this component is considered a key area to mitigate climate change. However, the centre has done a commendable work to protect the area from flood/ saline water inundation over a few km stretches during the last catastrophic cyclone (‘Aila’) which devastated a major part of Sundarbans.

Besides, raised bed and furrow method of irrigation in vegetables is also recommended to create additional water resources.

From excavation/renovation of ponds, 110 farmers were benefitted. More number of farmers are interested to participate in NICRA project activities. Increasing cropping intensity, reduction in migration from Aila affected area are some of the impact of this project.

Cropping intensity in the study area is 122.13% which is considerably below that at the

state level.During rabi season, vegetables and pulses are the principal crops. Pulses are particularly salt sensitive and therefore necessary care should be exercised to select suitable salt tolerant pulses for the reason that the soils are     potentially saline in nature. Vegetables should be identified having low water requirements. Since lowlands (30-60 cm waterlogging) comprise of 72 % of the total cultivated lands in kharif high yielding semi-deep water rice varieties tolerant to   this situation need to be identified. It appears that adequate efforts have not been made to identify such rice varieties, for which collaboration with CSSRI, Regional Research Station Canning Town or CRRI, Cuttack need to be sought for. Besides, the area is flood prone, for which the areas susceptible to deep submergence should be identified, and flood tolerant/ floating, deep water tolerant rice may be identified through active collaboration with CRRI, and the varieties may be conserved for use in the event of such adverse situation to arise in future. Options for

tissue culture of mangroves should be found out.

Every attempt should be made to increase cropping intensity through introduction of suitable multi-tier horticulture crop species having good market demand/access. Suitable forage crops should be identified for growing in marginal land situations since there is acute crisis for it in view of poor animal health. Suitable hybrid fodder maize can be tried for milch animals. A location-specific appropriate crop calendar may be developed depending on land situation and water availability. Use of agro-forestry species and incorporation of green leaves as manures in soils through periodical cuttings may help enrich soil organic C to mitigate climate change trend.

Increasing cropping intensity leads not only increase in the income of the farmers, but also paves the way to mitigate climate change, for which it is further suggested to felicitate and encourage farmers to create polyhouses at affordable costs and grow seedlings even under off-seasons and under adverse flood prone or water-scarce situations. Growing perennial crops on the raised bunds of the excavated ponds along with pisciculture and/or duckery in the ponds will ensure higher return to farmers.

More areas should be brought under IFS developed location-wise with emphasis on use of remunerative crops and demand/access to markets, of which farmers were very much aware of. Technology may be developed and demonstrated for vermicompost production, use of which should be spread to other areas/ farmers to encourage more use of organic composts at affordable prices and build up soil organic C status, a basic necessity to mitigate climate change.

The present site does not characterize the typical harsh environment of Sundarbans even to the limited extent since the soils are not typically saline in nature. However, the detailed data are lacking on soil characteristics, and it is suggested that an appropriate agency say, NBSS&LUP may be collaborated with to conduct benchmark survey in the area. Since salinity is highly dynamic in nature both temporarily and spatially, KVK may arrange for portable EC and pH metre for quick assessment of the parameters in situ especially during rabi season.

The KVK, with assistance from CRIDA, may work out ‘soil health’ indices , which together with benchmark data will help facilitate appropriate crop and water management strategies with focus on mitigating climate change.

Significant steps should be taken to identify fodder crops location-wise in collaboration with NIFD.

Promotion of fodder and Azolla as alternative cattle feed may be explored.

It is suggested to develop in-house production (low-cost technology) of azolla as poultry feed and vermicompost for use in soil. Animal shelter structure may be developed.

Tanks, 70 under Open Wells, and 43 under Lift Irrigation. There are 5 ha area covered     through Pump sets, while there 13 ha area is covered through defunct water harvesting structures.   The water table depth in bore wells is about 100 m and a drawdown of     more than 1 m water level observed in bore wells over the past 10 years.

The area needs major attention to create major water resources. One of them may be Ghogra Gadda Check Dam proposal for which already submitted for a total of about Rs 7.0 lakh. Besides, there should be repair of 17 Wells. It has been urged to send proposal for the repair of Prem Bundh Check Dam in Geri village. Besides, proposal may be sent to implement Lift Irrigation once the Check Dams are repaired.

It has also been suggested that approach may be made to the appropriate authority to prepare well logs for a few relevant site for a clear understanding of future attempts to exploit underground water in the aquifer through tube or bore wells for their sustainable use.Study of aquifer characteristics through, say CGWB, will help determine the future prospects of exploitation of underground water in right quantity and quality more comprehensively. The ZPD-II may arrange to help the NICRA site work out design dimensions for water harvesting structures depending upon soil characteristics and rainfall pattern for efficient rainwater storage and recycling and prepare appropriate cropping system for rainfed cultivation with the help of software and expertise available.

It has been urged that the local forest and fruit species having abundant growth like bamboo species, palash, mahua, imli, jamun, ber, etc. should also be explored systematically. Promotion of lac cultivation through availing quality brood lac will help in proper utilization of the large number of host plants that in available in the region.It is also proposed that attempts may be made to increase cropping intensity especially through introduction of spices like black pepper, etc. There is immense scope to introduce integrated farming practice under organic cultivation keeping in view of the availability of local animals,aquatic species,etc. The forest tree leaves, twigs, etc. under natural cycles of defoliation, availability of animal litres, and the forest soils which are expected to be a rich source of beneficial microbial population all might help in the processmay be a source to produce rich quality organic manures. Thus the strategy should also be keep the soil under vegetative cover to the most possible and increase the soil organic C, a key item   to mitigate the adverse climate effect due to climate change.

It is suggested to have the soil benchmark studied through appropriate agency like ICAR-NBBS&LUP as early as possible. The soils at definite grids (say, 500 metres or toposequence-wise) should be analysed periodically for fertility including micronutrients, organic carbon, relevant microbial parameters from crop active root depths (not more than 2 years interval), and relevant soil physical properties (once in 5 years) through local laboratories in universities or nearby having suitable expertise and facilities.The ZPD-II may arrange to have data bank on soil health for which protocols should be prepared by CRIDA and the NICRA KVK management appropriately trained to analyse relevant parameters for MDS with the target for future soil management strategies monitored in accordance with the soil health indices and their changes to be worked out in due course.

Use of womenfolk may be given sufficient thrust to develop handicrafts out of forest products, especially bamboo, cultivation of mushroom, apiary, etc.   Womenfolk may play an important role in preparing organic manures. The ZPD-II may take initiative in this regard to get them trained to produce the manures and use them for crop cultivation for sustainability in yield.

It is suggested to renovate Malai check dam which might solve the water constraint for irrigation to a great extent. It has also been suggested that approach may be made to the appropriate authority to prepare well logs for a few relevant site for a clear understanding of future attempts to exploit underground water in the aquifer through tube or bore wells for their sustainable use. Study of aquifer characteristics through, say CGWB, will help determine the future prospects of exploitation of underground water in right quantity and quality more comprehensively. The ZPD-II may arrange to help the NICRA site work out design dimensions for water harvesting structures depending upon soil characteristics and rainfall pattern for efficient rainwater storage and recycling and prepare appropriate cropping system for rainfed cultivation with the help of softwares and expertise available.

Technology on water harvesting in plastic lined dobha can be introduced in the region for which support of ICAR RCER, RC, Ranchi may be obtained.

SRI has been found useful in water saving in 5 ha area with 45 farmers, and this recorded higher B:C value also as compared to conventional cultivation. Long term planning may be made toposequence-wise not only to cover larger area under irrigation with imited water available, but also making sure at the same time to keep the soil moist for majority of the crop growth period to mitigate adverse effect due to climate change

Forest species like bamboo, mahua, lac, palash may be grown in more number which will be a useful tool to combat the adverse climate change impact. It is suggested to introduce cotton during rabi/summer seasons or even in kharif if the decreasing trend in rainfall continues with assistance from Cotton Corporation of India (for marketing etc). It is also proposed that attempts may be made to increase cropping intensity especially through introduction of spices like black pepper, etc.

It is suggested to have the soil benchmark studied through appropriate agency like ICAR-NBBS&LUP as early as possible. The soils at definite grids (say, 500 metres or toposequence-wise) should be analysed periodically for fertility including micronutrients, organic carbon, relevant microbial parameters from crop active root depths (not more than 2 years interval), and relevant soil physical properties (once in 5 years) through local laboratories in universities or nearby having suitable expertise and facilities. The ZPD-II may arrange to have data bank on soil health for which protocols should be prepared by CRIDA and the NICRA KVK management appropriately trained to analyse relevant parameters for MDS with the target for future soil management strategies monitored in accordance with the soil health indices and their changes to be worked out in due course.

Composite fish rearing in the existing pond or in renovated pond were demonstrated of 5 farmer’s field in NICRA adopted villages.

For removing drudgery amongst the womenfolk it is suggested to introduce in large number mushroom (oyster) cultivation, apiary, vermicompost (for organic cultivation), forest product-based handicrafts, preparation of polybags for cotton cultivation (for advancement of sowing) , etc.

Following activitiesrelated to water resource management were undertaken:

1.       Bora Bandi

2.       Medbandi

3.       Well renovation

4.       Pond renovation

5.       Canal cleaning

6.       New pond creation

7.       Installation of irrigation lift device

It is suggested that approach may be made to the appropriate authority to prepare well logs for a few relevant site for a clear understanding of future attempts to exploit underground water in the aquifer through tube or bore wells for their sustainable use. Study of aquifer characteristics through, say CGWB, will help determine the future prospects of exploitation of underground water in right quantity and quality more comprehensively. The ZPD-II may arrange to help the NICRA site work out design dimensions for water harvesting structures depending upon soil characteristics and rainfall pattern for efficient rainwater storage and recycling and prepare appropriate cropping system for rainfed cultivation with the help of softwares and expertise available. Attempts to use lift irrigation after renovating the check dams are praiseworthy, and more such attempts may be made in future.

All necessary measures should be undertaken to decrease water or irrigation   requirement of crops. For vegetable crops and orchards in particular such low volume -high frequency irrigation methods like sprinkler, drip and pitcher may be tried or intensified. ZPD-II may provide training to the staff as well as the farmers for this purpose. Such practices like (i) Mulching, (ii) Introduction of short duration varieties of rice for which the Centre may be in touch with CRRI or its substation at Hazaribagh for upland research, may be implemented.

Early season drought (delayed onset) – Seedling raised near water source, Broadcast seeding of rice, Short duration paddy variety (Gora Paddy), Field preparation before monsoon.Maize sown across the slope, Earthing up in maize and Red gram, Intercropping in Red gram & Black gram.

Normal onset followed by 15-20 days dry spell – Lifesaving irrigation given to crops,

Short duration variety use, Selected   low water requirement crops like sweet potato, Ragi, Niger, Kulthi&Seasmam, Old seedling of paddy used for transplanting, Date of sowing shifted for 15 days.

Mid season drought (long dry spell, consecutive 2   weeks dry spells) – Life saving irrigation given to crops, Short duration variety use, Selected low water requirement crops like sweet potato, Ragi, Niger,Kulthi & Seasmam, Old seedling of paddy used for transplanting, Date of sowing shifted for 15 days.

Terminal drought– Changing for black gram, horse gram, red gram, linseed, etc., linseed sown in fallow lands, cultivation of vegetable crops.

The cropping intensity of the area is 115 %. In future attempts will be made to implement number of integrated farming system models suitable for the area, use of organic agriculture, introduction of drought tolerant plant varieties, and promotion of HQPM (maize) for fodder demonstration. Organic agriculture is known as a potential practice to increase organic C in soil and thereby combat the adverse impact due to climatic change. Fruit crops have tremendous potential for this district. Promotion of technologies like in situ orchard establishment and capacity building programme on nursery management will go a long way in expansion of area under horticultural crops.

It is suggested to have the soil benchmark studied through appropriate agency like ICAR-NBBS&LUP as early as possible. The soils at definite grids (say, 500 metres or toposequence-wise) should be analysed periodically for fertility including micronutrients, organic carbon, relevant microbial parameters from crop active root depths (not more than 2 years interval), and relevant soil physical properties (once in 5 years) through local laboratories in universities or nearby having suitable expertise and facilities. The ZPD-II may arrange to have data bank on soil health for which protocols should be prepared by CRIDA and the NICRA KVK management appropriately trained to analyse relevant parameters for MDS with the target for future soil management strategies monitored in accordance with the soil health indices and their changes to be worked out in due course.

Animal rearing is important particularly for landless farmers. Womenfolk may be engaged more in rearing of animals of improved breeds. Attempts may be made to create low-cost shelter belts

It was interesting to see fairly good area covered with multiple cropping systems particularly with bore well and lift irrigation. It would be worth KVK create more water resources. It was suggested to the KVK with assistance from the local enthusiasts and expertise available to create a master plan on water resource maps and suggest irrigation and drainage network for the entire area, and submit the same to ZPD-II/NICRA for their due consideration. Some corrective measures in the newly constructed check dams also need to   be undertaken, and at one such construction site it has been pointed out to replace three sluice gates constructed side by side by one only, and close the other two, and use rubber gasket along the sides to prevent leakage of water and ease of operation. Wherever possible drip and pitcher irrigation system need to be undertaken.

It is suggested that ZPD-II may extend facility to train up the KVK staff for scientific approach to create on-farm water resources along with their design dimensions from rainfall based on rainfall characteristics and soil properties for appropriate   multiple crop planning for which experts and necessary softwares are available. The water resources so created may be utilized also for composite fish culture, duckery and plantation crops on the bund around it. It will be necessary for this purpose to work out probability analyses of rainfall and evaporation data for more than 30 years to compute excess rainfall available.

It has been suggested that KVK with assistance of the farmers may take up study on groundwater depths and their fluctuations over time at definite grids all over the area, which will give the idea on depths of underground water availability at different times of the year in order to exploit it for bore wells and lift irrigations. The aquifer characteristics of the area may be undertaken through CGWB or only other similar organization, and the results generated there from may be utilized for exploiting underground water for irrigation through tubewells.   ZPD-II may extend help for this purpose.

Minimizing irrigation requirement

Following practices on crop management were followed: (i) raising of paddy seedling near pond, (ii) direct seeding of rice, (iii) cultivation of drought tolerant paddy variety Sahbhagi, Sabour Ardhjal, (iv) SRI method of paddy cultivation, (v) cultivation of redgram, linseed, gram and lentil, kulthi, urd, maize, toria, potato, elephant footyam, maize+potato, redgram+millet, gram+linseed,, lentil+mustard, (vi) Nutrition gardening. It should be targeted to reach up to 300% cropping intensity by fully exploiting water available during dry rabi/ summer season. It is suggested to introduce biofertilizer and organic manure in large areas, and the farmers should be trained for this purpose. Units for vermicompost and brown manuring may be established. For increased moisture conservation plastic and straw mulching have been demonstrated. Data should be generated on soil moisture status and temperature up to active root depth for mulched and non-mulched areas for tangible conclusion on the efficacy of mulching practices.

1.      Power Reaper

2.      Zero till seed cum fert. drill.

3.      Rotavator and power tiller

Women may have important roles in say, azolla cultivation, cattle feed & mineral mixture management, vermicompost, poultry and duckery, etc. besides VCRMC & marketing management. In institutional interventions, it was felt that there is a scope of establishing strong linkage with KVKs and State Government extension agencies and other input suppliers. So, frequency of awareness campaigns, capacity building activities, farmers fairs, engagement strategies and facilitation of dialogue and discussion among themselves can improve their ability to cope up with climate change and have climate resilient agriculture.

It is important to study impact analysis and prepare a success story of NICRA project for 4 years conducted so far. Also separate study may be initiated for diffusion of the successful technologies/ models demonstrated at the site to adjoining villages. ZPD-II may facilitate and oversee the implementation and progress of such studies.

The depth to groundwater in bore wells varies from 8-23m. Discharge of water from bore wells at a few places was found to be low due to higher suction head. Major intervention included digging of farm ponds, repair and renovation of existing rain water harvesting infrastructure such as de-siltation of well, tanks, repair of sluice gates, etc. Water harvesting and recycling (farm percolation pond) for supplemental irrigation were demonstrated involving 06 numbers of farmers. Attempts were made to artificially recharge groundwater by field bunding.

It is suggested that ZPD-II may extend facility to train up the KVK staff for scientific approach to create on-farm water resources along with their design dimensions from rainfall based on rainfall characteristics and soil properties for appropriate   multiple crop planning for which experts and necessary softwares are available. The water resources so created may be utilized also for composite fish culture, duckery and plantation crops on the bund around it.

It has been suggested that KVK with assistance of the farmers may take up study on groundwater depths and their fluctuations over time at definite grids all over the area, which will give the idea on depths of underground water availability at different times of the year in order to exploit it for bore wells and lift irrigations. The aquifer characteristics of the area may be undertaken through CGWB or only other similar organization, and the results generated therefrom may be utilized for exploiting underground water for irrigation through tubewells. ZPD-II may extend help for this purpose.

It is suggested to introduce biofertilizer and organic manure in large areas, and the farmers should be trained for this purpose. Units for vermicompost and brown manuring may be established.

It is suggested to (i) collaborate with NBSS&LUP for benchmark soil analysis of the area, (ii) analyze relevant soil chemical including micronutrients and physical data at an interval of 12 months (for chemicals) at 500 m grids, and (iii) generate data on soil health with the help of units like CRIDA having the requisite expertise. A laboratory with minimum soil analysis facility may be developed at the KVK. A soil testing kit is recommended for the KVK. Fertilizer recommendations should be made based on soil tests only.

Composite fish rearing in the existing pond or in renovated pond were demonstrated of 4 farmer’s field in NICRA adopted villages. Besides, duckery was also practised in a number of ponds. Attempts should intensify on forest tree plantation. Demonstrations were also made on oyster cultivation.

Strategy should be taken to develop climate change resilient hybrid animals in particular in view of their low resilience in general as compared to local animals. Methods may be developed to decrease fish mortality against low temperature and deficient oxygen status.

‘Pashu chocolate’ developed by Jehanabad KVK is considered to help combat climate change to produce more milk yield in cattle breeds particularly in Jersey compared to desi.

Women may have important roles in say, azolla cultivation, cattle feed & mineral mixture management, vermicompost, poultry and duckery, etc. besides VCRMC & marketing management.

In institutional interventions, it was felt that there is a scope of establishing strong linkage with KVKs and State Government extension agencies and other input suppliers. So, frequency of awareness campaigns, capacity building activities, farmers fairs, engagement strategies and facilitation of dialogue and discussion among themselves can improve their ability to cope up with climate change and have climate resilient agriculture.

It is important to study impact analysis and prepare a success story of NICRA project for 4 years conducted so far. Also separate study may be initiated for diffusion of the successful technologies/ models demonstrated at the site to adjoining villages. ZPD-II may facilitate and oversee the implementation and progress of such studies.

It is suggested that ZPD-II may extend facility to train up the KVK staff for scientific approach to create on-farm water resources along with their design dimensions from rainfall based on rainfall characteristics and soil properties for appropriate multiple crop planning for which experts and necessary softwares are available. The water resources so created may be utilized also for composite fish culture, duckery and plantation crops on the bund around it.

It has been suggested that KVK with assistance of the farmers may take up study on groundwater depths and their fluctuations over time at definite grids all over the area, which will give the idea on depths of underground water availability at different times of the year in order to exploit it for bore wells and lift irrigations. The aquifer characteristics of the area may be undertaken through CGWB or only other similar organization, and the results generated therefrom may be utilized for exploiting underground water for irrigation through tubewells. ZPD-II may extend help for this purpose.

Use of Pusa Varidhar and other Hydrogels were used this season. Attempts may be made to retain more water in soil through organic and polythene mulching on cropped soils. Data should be generated on soil moisture status and temperature up to active root depth for mulched and non-mulched areas for tangible conclusion on the efficacy of mulching practices.

As mentioned in the previous column cotton being drought tolerant may be grown over large areas. It has been urged to introduce HQPM (hybrid maize) to ensure nutritional aspect also. Different drought and flood tolerant varieties of suitable crops may be grown.

It is suggested to introduce biofertilizer and organic manure in large areas, and the farmers should be trained for this purpose. Units for vermicompost and brown manuring may be established.

It is suggested to (i) collaborate with NBSS&LUP for benchmark soil analysis of the area, (ii) analyze relevant soil chemical including micronutrients and physical data at an interval of 12 months (for chemicals) at 500 m grids, and (iii) generate data on soil health with the help of units like CRIDA having the requisite expertise. A laboratory with minimum soil analysis facility may be developed at the KVK. A soil testing kit is recommended for the KVK. Fertilizer recommendations should be made based on soil tests only.

In the area of livestock management suitable local breeds say, pig (T&D), goat, etc. may be introduced along with preventive vaccination against FMD & HS+BQ of cattle and PPR in goat. Demonstration of mineral mixture and use of dewormer may be practised for enhanced productivity. It is suggested to use low cost bamboo base poultry shelter. Azolla has been found useful as feed, and may be encouraged. Strategy should be taken to develop climate change resilient hybrid animals in particular in view of their low resilience in general as compared to local animals. Methods may be developed to decrease fish mortality against low temperature and deficient oxygen status. ‘Pashu chocolate’ developed by Jehanabad KVK is considered to help combat climate change to produce more milk yield in cattle breeds particularly in Jersey compared to desi.

Women may have important roles in say, azolla cultivation, cattle feed & mineral mixture management, vermicompost, poultry and duckery, etc. besides VCRMC & marketing management.

In institutional interventions, it was felt that there is a scope of establishing strong linkage with KVKs and State Government extension agencies and other input suppliers. So, frequency of awareness campaigns, capacity building activities, farmers fairs, engagement strategies and facilitation of dialogue and discussion among themselves can improve their ability to cope up with climate change and have climate resilient agriculture.

It is important to study impact analysis and prepare a success story of NICRA project for 4 years conducted so far. Also separate study may be initiated for diffusion of the successful technologies/models demonstrated at the site to adjoining villages. ZPD-II may facilitate and oversee the implementation and progress of such studies.